Winter Emergency Planning
From
https://www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Know-The-Threats/Pages/Winter-Weathe...
How to Prepare for a Winter Storm Emergency
General Guidelines
Get an emergency supply kit that includes enough provisions for you and your family to live on for a minimum of three days.
Check and update your family's emergency supply kit before winter approaches and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather:
- Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
- Sand to improve traction
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you and your family warm
Make an emergency plan for you and your family.
Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.
Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and windowsills to keep the warm air inside.
If you have no heat, close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels or rags in the cracks under doors and cover windows at night.
Cover pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic. Allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts. If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
Use extreme caution when using alternative heating sources. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects. Also, when using kerosene heaters, be sure to maintain ventilation to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. See Winter Heating Safety TipsOpens In A New Window for more information.
Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Wear gloves (or mittens) and a hat to help prevent loss of body heat.