Like it or not, winter is coming, and with winter comes winter storms. The NOAA released their winter weather outlook for 2017-2018 recently, calling for cooler than normal temperatures in the north and warmer than normal temperatures in the south. However, it's important to note that this is just a prediction, and predictions are uncertain outside of the immediate range when it comes to weather, and even with a warmer than usual winter, winter storms occur. If you don't take the threat seriously, you will be caught off guard when they do. What can you do to protect your family from winter weather? One way to be prepared and to protect your loved ones is to have a home winter weather emergency kit and plan in place. In severe winter weather, travel is often inadvisable or impossible, so you won't be able to just go to the store and pick up something if you don't have it.


What should you have on hand?  The Red Cross recommends, among other things: Water (a 3-day supply, a gallon per person each day) Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food (Our hot, self-heating , shelf-stable ready-to-eat meals and ready-to-eat meal kits are a great fit for your home) Extra winter clothing A Flashlight Battery Powered Radio Sanitation/Personal Hygiene Items Charged cell phones with chargers (including portable ones, consider the possibility of a power outage) Baby supplies/Pet supplies Medications Heating sources (Be careful with these and only use as recommended, with ventilation, following all safety procedures. Make sure your Carbon Monoxide alarms are in place and operational.) There are precautions to take around the home, as well. Make sure that the house is insulated to keep in heat, allow water pipes to drip so that they don't freeze, and make sure that you don't spend extended periods of time outside of the house and don't overexert yourself. Hypothermia and frostbite are real dangers.
You shouldn't be traveling, but if you must, or if you are caught out in inclement weather, you should also be prepared for the worst. In another post, we'll be taking a look at some of the ways you can protect yourself when winter weather strikes and you aren't in your castle. Don't wait until it's too late. Get your winter weather kits together today and protect yourself and your family. You can ensure that you and your loved ones have a hot, home-style, ready-to-eat meal anytime, anywhere, whatever the weather.