• The very basics of prepping your home for a winter storm include:

  • ensuring you have an adequate supply of heating fuel/coal/firewood on-hand
  • insulating your door and windows with caulking, weatherstripping and/or the use of storm windows
  • wrapping any exposed pipes with tape insulation
  • servicing your snow removal equipment
  • testing/installing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, with battery backups
  • having an adequate supply of salt or de-icer on hand
  • purchasing a back-up generator and ensuring you follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions for usage
  • if you have a rural property with livestock, ensure there's adequate shelter/food/non-frozen water available, as well as access to higher ground in the case of flooding; consider installing snow fences to help keep storms at bay

Besides your local alert systems, also be sure to pay attention to alerts issued by NOAA and the Emergency Alert System

• Increase in wind
• Decrease in temperature
• Know your winter weather definitions:

    - Winter Weather Advisory: issued to advise of snow/freezing rain/sleet that could lead to life-threatening scenarios if caution is not used

  - Winter Storm Watch: typically issued 12–48 hours prior to a storm; means heavy snow/freezing rain/sleet is possible

   - Winter Storm Warning: typically issued 12–24 hours beforehand; means heavy snow/freezing rain/sleet is imminent or already occurring, and you need to seek shelter immediately

    - Wind Chill Temperature: is the temperature that animals and humans feel  on exposed skin when they're outside in cold weather. When the wind increases, it carries away body heat at a faster rate, which makes the temperature feel much colder than it actually is

Every member of your family needs to know what your homeowner evacuation plan is. Where will you go? How will you get there? What optional evacuation routes will you have if your initial choice is blocked? Where will you stay? Knowing these basics in advance can help stem panic during an actual natural disaster situation. Have a to-go bag in place with all the supplies you’ll need, including items for your pets. If you’ll need assistance in traveling, you’ll need to confirm with someone in advance. And be sure to follow any evacuation orders that have been issued. As a family, discuss how you can help your neighbors during a natural disaster by checking in or helping them evacuate as well.

• Ensure you’ve got good winter tires with adequate tread; in heavy snow regions, consider using studded snow tires and/or carrying chains
• Have your mechanic check your:
  • antifreeze
  • battery
  • brakes
  • defroster
  • exhaust system
  • hazard lights
  • headlights
  • heater
  • ignition system
  • oil
  • signal lights
  • thermostat
  • windshield wipers/washer fluid

Be sure to always keep a full tank of gas during the winter season.

A winter emergency kit for your car should include:

• blankets
• bottled water
• flashlight
• jumper cables
• matches in a waterproof container
• non-perishable snacks
• red bandana-style cloth to tie to your antenna should your need assistance
• sand/cat litter to help gain traction
• warm clothes
• windshield scraper/broom

The American Red Cross recommends gathering 2 emergency supply kits:

1. A Go-Kit: with a 3-day supply of items you can carry with you, including chargers for your devices (cell phone, wheelchair, CPAP, etc.) and backup batteries; as well as non-perishable food, water, and medications. Cash is also important to have on hand as ATMs may not be working/accessible. 
2. A Stay-at-Home Kit: with a 2-week supply of the above items.

NOAA recommends adding the following to round out your emergency disaster supply kits, where applicable:

• masks, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer
• non-prescription medicine such as antacids, anti-diarrhea, and pain relievers
• contact lens solution/prescription eyeglasses
• baby bottles, formula, wipes, diapers, and diaper rash cream
• feminine hygiene supplies
• sleeping bags/blankets
• a change of clothing for each family member, including sensible footwear
• fire extinguisher
• matches in a fireproof container
• mess kit with plates, utensils, cups, and paper towels
• activities for kids like puzzles, games, or books
•  

It’s estimated that 40% of Americans can’t find an important household document when needed, so the first step is to upload your vital household documents to our user-friendly digital platform, so there’s easy access 24/7/365. Secondly, reassess your homeowner policy to ensure you have the best coverage to fit your needs. Compare the cost and coverage that you have in place, to what else is available from your current insurer and other companies. If there have been any major additions to your home and/or contents in the last year, it’s time to review your homeowner insurance policy to ensure it’ll cover your new additions.

• Homeowner insurance doesn’t cover flooding resulting from accumulated snow/blizzards, so you’ll need to purchase a separate policy for it; note that there’s a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect
• If you're struggling to afford energy-related heating costs, home repairs, or weatherization, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program may be able to help.

Such supplies can include plastic sheeting, tarps, sandbags, and/or plywood, plus the necessary tools to apply these to your home like a staple gun and/or duct tape.

Before an earthquake, consider adding these to your emergency repair toolbox:

• gloves
• an ax
• a broom
• a shovel
• rope

Now that you’ve got everything in place, there’s no better way to solidify it than by making a written plan, which should include regularly practicing your escape route, and maintaining your disaster prep plan supplies by replacing expired items. Ensure your plan includes a contact list, with at least one contact who lives outside the impacted area; share your disaster plan with family and friends. Register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well website so friends and family will know you are okay.

The American Red Cross recommends that adults and kids around the age of nine learn first aid and CPR skills.