To the editor:
It’s time to start thinking about our winter weather and the possibility that you may be stuck in your car or home for some time. Plan on being self-sufficient for three to four days. The following are some suggestions for your car and your home.
For your car:
- Food bar, granola bars, Poptarts, etc.
- Gloves.
- Emergency hand warmers. These usually last a few hours or longer depending on the exposure to oxygen, so throw in a few packs.
- Emergency blanket(s).
- Flashlight(s), light stick and batteries for flashlight.
- Bottled water.
- First aid kit with: Band-Aids, pain relief medicine and antiseptic cream.
- Hand wipes.
- Jumper cables.
- A full tank of gas before the storm.
- Flares.
- Ice scraper/shovel.
- Check your windshield wiper fluid and fill it up.
For the home:
- Flashlights/lanterns.
- Bottled water.
- Extra pet food.
- Canned goods and can opener, food in shelf stable packets that do not need refrigeration.
- Check your medications and make sure that you have enough if a large storm is predicted.
- Salt for treating walkways.
- Weather radio.
- Outside charger for your cell phones.
- Check on your elderly neighbors.
- Dress warmly whenever you go outside.
Planning and preparedness can help to keep you safe!
Jennifer Heller, Brown County Health Department
