Winter Storms in the Great Plains

on

Preparing for Winter Storms in the Great Plains: A Step-by-Step Guide

Winter storms in the Great Plains can bring extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and ice, leading to hazardous conditions such as power outages and dangerous travel. Proper preparation is essential to ensure safety and resilience during these events. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get ready:

1. Stay Informed

  • Monitor Weather Updates: Regularly check forecasts from reliable sources like the National Weather Service.
  • Sign Up for Alerts: Enroll in local emergency notification systems and ensure your mobile device can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs).

2. Create an Emergency Plan

  • Family Communication: Establish how your household will communicate during emergencies.
  • Designate Safe Areas: Identify warm, safe locations in your home and community.
  • Evacuation Routes: Plan multiple routes in case primary paths are impassable.

3. Assemble an Emergency Kit

In preparation for winter storms, consider assembling two kits: a Blackout Box for short-term disruptions and a Shelter in Place (SIP) Kit for long-term situations. I like to use the Color of Prepping to help guide and keep inventory in categories.

Here’s a closer look at some suggestions:

Blackout Box

This kit is designed to handle power outages lasting up to 6 hours. It includes essential items that are sensitive to temperature changes and avoids redundancies with items already available in your home:

  • Red - First Aid: Items from your home first-aid supplies.
  • Orange - Fire: Matches.
  • Blue - Water: Backup water supply and water purification tablets.
  • Green - Food: Ramen noodles, vitamin C mix, and add-water meals (REI Food).
  • Brown - Shelter: Drop cloth.
  • Gray - Cooking: Folding camp stove, Bic lighter, candles, alcohol burner, and alcohol fuel (stored in the garage).
  • Yellow - Communication and Power: AM/FM/SW radio, AAA batteries, Rite in the Rain notepad, and pencils.
  • Black - Tools: Headlamp, flashlight, and glow sticks.
  • Purple - Clothing: Bandana and emergency poncho.
  • White - Hygiene: Towels from home.
  • Pink - Personal: Deck of cards.

Shelter in Place (SIP) Kit

For disruptions exceeding 6 hours, the SIP Kit includes supplies for extended stays at home. These items complement your existing home inventory and exclude items from the Blackout Box:

  • Red - First Aid: Family first aid kit (Adventure Medical Kit) and pharmaceutical kit.
  • Orange - Fire: Fire bag with lighters, matches, char cloth, Fresnel lens, ferro rod/striker, tinder quick, Coleman fuel, and firewood.
  • Blue - Water: MSR Guardian water purifier (MSR Guardian).
  • Green - Food: Ramen noodles, heat-and-eat meals (Omeals), and add-water meals (REI Food).
  • Brown - Shelter: Included in home inventory.
  • Gray - Cooking: Coleman stove, Camp Maid, Java Drip coffee maker, and filters.
  • Yellow - Communication and Power: HAM radio (with license).
  • Black - Tools: Bankline, duct tape, electrical tape, folding saw, headlamps, gloves, contractor bags, glow sticks, flashlights, and solar lanterns.
  • Purple - Clothing: Rain gear, reflective safety vests, and bandanas.
  • White - Hygiene: Portable bidet, Scrubba wash bag, and paper supplies.
  • Pink - Personal: Games and a deck of cards.

4. Prepare Your Home

  • Insulate Pipes: Prevent freezing and bursting.
  • Install Weather Stripping: Seal doors and windows to retain heat.
  • Maintain Heating Equipment: Ensure fireplaces, wood stoves, and heaters are in good working order.
  • Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test them monthly.

5. Vehicle Preparedness

  • Winterize Your Vehicle: Check antifreeze levels, battery health, and tire tread.
  • Emergency Car Kit: Include items like blankets, food, water, a flashlight, and a shovel.
  • Keep the Gas Tank Full: Prevents fuel line freeze and ensures you're ready for unexpected travel.

6. During the Storm

  • Stay Indoors: Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
  • Use Generators Safely: Operate them outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Conserve Heat: Close off unused rooms and use towels to block drafts.

7. After the Storm

  • Check on Neighbors: Assist those who may need help, especially the elderly and disabled.
  • Avoid Overexertion: When shoveling snow, take breaks to prevent heart attacks.
  • Drive Cautiously: Be alert for black ice and downed power lines.

By following these steps and organizing your Blackout Box and Shelter in Place Kit, you can enhance your preparedness for winter storms in the Great Plains, ensuring safety for you and your loved ones.

Comments

Post a Comment