(Trends Wide) — A powerful winter storm threatens parts of the eastern United States with freezing rain, sleet and snow as experts urge Americans to be prepared.
Make sure you’ve done the basics: learn how to keep your pipes from freezing (for example, you can open cabinets in places like under sinks to let in heat or let faucets drip), test smoke alarms and detectors of carbon monoxide, have batteries for radios and flashlights, charge electronic devices and consider the specific needs of everyone in your home, such as medications.
And make sure you have all the grocery supplies you need.
These types of storms—and their aftermath—can cut off heating, power, or communication services. Because we don’t yet know how severe the impacts will be and how long they’ll last, and amid supply chain issues that could further exacerbate grocery shopping difficulties this weekend, have at least three days’ worth of food and water for everyone in your household, says Joann Sands, an assistant professor at the University at Buffalo School of Nursing, who trains students in disaster and emergency preparedness.
Choose foods that have a long shelf life, don’t require cooking, and aren’t too salty or spicy, because those foods would likely make you drink more water, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends. , for its acronym in English).
This is what you should have in your home.
High-protein, non-perishable foods
Those include foods like energy bars and protein and fruit bars that don’t need to be refrigerated or frozen, Sands said.
Dry cereal, granola, peanut butter, dried fruit, and non-perishable pasteurized milk are also good to have while you shelter in place.
Canned products
Remember that power may be out as the storm hits your region, so make sure you have ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and juices, as well as a manual can opener, according to Ready.gov.
Canned diet foods, juices and soups can be especially helpful for the elderly or sick, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
If a can is swollen, dented, or corroded, don’t eat from it.
comfort food
Though not essential, experts recommend keeping comfort foods and anti-stress foods on hand as the storm passes.
Water
Store at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household and for each pet, the CDC recommends. FEMA recommends storing at least one gallon of water for each person in a day.
Unopened commercially bottled water is the safest and most reliable water supply, the agency says. If it’s store-bought water, be sure to check the expiration date.
Plastic bags and containers
Make sure you also have plastic bags on hand, as you can wrap perishable foods like cookies and place them in sealed containers, according to FEMA.
Disposable paper plates, cups and utensils
If you don’t have electricity or water, having paper plates and utensils can help you prepare and eat your meals safely, according to the CDC.
Think about babies and pets
When you get ready, don’t forget about babies and pets in the house.
Make sure you have a sufficient supply of baby formula, as well as anything else a baby might need, like diapers, Sands said.
Also make sure you have supplies for your pets, such as medications and non-perishable food for several days.
(And maybe some treats, since storms can be stressful for them, too.)
hygiene products
Make sure you have the hygiene products you need, including feminine items, toilet paper, baby wipes, paper towels, and hand sanitizer.
Have an emergency kit
It’s always good to have a disaster kit ready in a portable container near your exit.
These should include: non-perishable food and a three-day supply of water, a battery-operated radio and flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit with a manual, hygiene items, matches in a waterproof container , a whistle to call for help if you need it, clothes, blankets and sleeping bags, identification cards, credit cards and cash, paper and pencil, items to cover the needs of babies and pets and any special items such as medications, contact lenses, glasses, hearing aids and activities for younger children.
Due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, you should also include things like face masks.
Here’s what you should know about the items in the fridge:
It’s important that you don’t panic, shop around and try to stock your fridge, Sands said.
“How are you going to be able to store this food if you don’t have energy?” Sands, adding that stocking up on extra groceries can not only lead to food waste, but could also harm others who may not be able to find what they’re looking for.
If the power goes out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to prevent cold air from escaping. If it’s not open, your refrigerator will be able to keep food cold for about four hours, according to Ready.gov.
Discard any perishable food, such as meat, poultry, eggs or leftovers, that has been left in temperatures above 4 degrees Celsius for more than two hours.
fill your gas tank
During a winter storm, you should try to minimize travel as much as possible to avoid being stranded on the road. If you have to go out, make sure you have a full tank of gas, Sands said.
It’s also a good idea to keep an emergency kit inside each of your family’s vehicles, in case you get stranded.
Here’s what to pack in your car to stay safe.
Tips to keep in mind before the storm
- Have important documents available in the event of an evacuation, including homeowners or renters insurance, social security cards, birth certificates and passports, Sands said.
- Create a family communication plan for how you can get in touch if you get separated during the storm.
- Keep portable generators, camp stoves, and grills out of your home. Keep them at least 6 meters away from your windows, doors and vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- You will need to watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. This is how they could look.
- Check on your elderly or disabled neighbors and friends.
