Things You Need to Know Before the Next Blizzard

Is Your Car Ready

Is your car ready for the Blizzard?

Assemble a Winter Emergency Car Kit Checklist  (see below)
Keep your gas tank at least half-full to prevent your fuel line from freezing.
Install good winter tires with adequate tread and pressure.
Check your antifreeze, battery, defroster, windshield wipers, wiper fluid, and other vehicle equipment to make sure they are ready for winter driving.

Auto Checklist

Assemble a Winter Emergency Car Kit Checklist   

Your winter emergency car kit should include: 

Flashlight with extra batteries

Charged cellphone and automobile charger

Basic first aid kit 

Necessary medications 

Pocket knife 

Blankets or sleeping bags 

Extra clothes (including rain gear, boots, mittens, socks) 

High-calorie non-perishable foods (dried fruits, nuts, canned food) 

Manual can opener  

Container of water 

Windshield scraper and brush 

Fire extinguisher 

Shovel  Sand, road salt, or cat litter for traction

Tire chains or traction mats 

Basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)

Tow rope 

Battery jumper cables 

Road flares/reflectors 

Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag 

Fall through the ice

Do not go out onto the ice to try to rescue a person or pet.

Reach-Throw-Go:

Try to reach the victim from shore. Extend your reach with a branch, oar, pole, or ladder to try to pull the victim to safety.
If unable to reach the victim, throw them something to hold onto (such as a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or life preserver).
Go for help or call 911 immediately.

If you fall in, use cold water safety practices:

Try not to panic.
Turn toward the direction you came from and place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, moving forward by kicking your feet.
Once back onto unbroken ice, remain lying down and roll away from the hole.
Crawl back toward land, keeping your weight evenly distributed.

If you can’t get back on the ice, use the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP):

Bring your knees up toward your chest.
Cross your arms and hold them close to your body.
Keep your legs together.
Try to keep your head out of the water.
Do not try to swim unless a boat, floating object, or shore is close by. Swimming in cold water cools your body and reduces survival time.

Pets Indoor

If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pets. Don’t keep your pets outdoors for long periods of time during very cold weather. Short-coated dogs may need a coat or sweater during walks

If outdoors

If you have outdoor dogs, make sure they have a dry, draft-free doghouse that:

Is large enough for pets to sit and lie down in, but small enough to retain their body heat.
Has a floor that is elevated a few inches off the ground and is covered with cedar shavings or straw.
Has an entrance that faces away from heavy winds and is covered with a flap of heavy waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.

Salt and feet

Salt and other chemicals used to melt ice and snow can harm your pet’s feet.

Gently rub the bottom of your pet’s paws with a damp towel to remove these irritants after a walk, or buy dog boots to prevent paw irritation during winter weather.

You should also look for signs that your pet’s feet are uncomfortably cold, which could include them frequently lifting up their paws, whining, or stopping.

Roof Snow

Do's

Use a snow rake (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from pitched roofs.
Start from the edge and work your way up the roof.
Try to shave the snow down to 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.
Keep all ladders, shovels, and roof rakes away from utility wires.
Plastic shovels are usually best. Metal tools may cause damage to your roof.
Shovel snow from flat roofs by throwing the snow over the side away from the building.
Carefully remove large icicles if they're hanging over doorways and walkways.
Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks.
Have someone outside with you to assist.
Keep gutters and drains clean and free of ice, snow, and other debris, and keep downspouts clean at ground level.

Roof Snow

Don'ts

Don’t stand on or place heavy equipment on the roof unless approved by a registered professional engineer.
Don’t use a ladder, since ice tends to build up on both the rungs of the ladder and the soles of your boots. If using a ladder, be extra cautious during cold and icy weather.
Don’t use blow torches, open flames, or electric heating devices like hair dryers or heat guns to remove snow and ice.
Don’t try to remove ice or icicles from utility wires or meters. Call your utility company for assistance.

Extreme Cold Home

Don’t stand on or place heavy equipment on the roof unless approved by a registered professional engineer.
Don’t use a ladder, since ice tends to build up on both the rungs of the ladder and the soles of your boots. If using a ladder, be extra cautious during cold and icy weather.
Don’t use blow torches, open flames, or electric heating devices like hair dryers or heat guns to remove snow and ice.
Don’t try to remove ice or icicles from utility wires or meters. Call your utility company for assistance.