Winter Checklist

Will your home welcome winter visitors ... safely? Be prepared for snow, ice or rain on walks and driveways with:

Snow shovel
De-icing compound
Waterproof floor mats
the inside story:
Household emergency supplies should include enough food, water and supplies to last four days without power or help. Check your home emergency kit against this basic checklist:

Food that doesn't require heating or refrigeration, such as canned meats, soups and stews, cereal, and energy bars
Manual can opener
Paper plates, cups and plastic utensils
1 gallon of water per person per day (allow enough for four days)
Flashlights and batteries
Battery-powered radio
Battery-powered clock
Cellular phone
First-aid kit (printable first-aid kit checklist)
Four-day supply of prescription medicines
Blanket and cold-weather clothing for each family member
Pet food and additional water for household pets
on the road:
Winter transportation can mean ice, snow, and hazardous roads. Road conditions can change in an instant. Before traveling, give cars a winter preparedness exam:

Check antifreeze
Check and replace older batteries
Remember to keep the gas tank near full to avoid freezing water in the fuel line
Check tires and spare tire for proper inflation
Make sure automobiles contain the following emergency supplies:

Bag of sand, road salt or non-clumping cat litter. The bag's extra weight means better traction, and the contents can be spread under slipping tires.
Ice scraper
Jumper cables
Small shovel (to dig snow away from wheels, or scatter sand on roadway)
Tire chains (every driver should practice putting them on)
Flares or reflective triangle to warn other motorists if you break down
Blanket
Flashlight and batteries
Gallon jug of drinking water
First aid kit (printable first-aid kit checklist)
When traveling by car, include emergency food and clothing for each traveler. Pack supplies in a backpack in case you need to abandon your car. An emergency backpack should include:

Jacket, hat, gloves and sturdy, snow-proof boots for each traveler
Nonperishable food
Cellular phone
Money