Surviving a Major Winter Storm

(USNewsBreak.com) – You never know what you’re going to face in any given winter. It could be a season of flurries and no accumulation or a major catastrophe of a blizzard that leaves you stuck inside for days. If that giant storm does hit, though, are you truly prepared?

Preparation Must-Haves

The reality is a major winter storm has the potential to do more than just trap you in your home. It can knock out your power, and during cold weather, that can be dangerous — especially with no way out. While you can’t prevent the storm, you can prepare ahead of time and put yourself in a good position to ride it out. Here are some must-haves:

Drinkable water — Bottles or gallon jugs of tap water work well. Aim for a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day, for a minimum of 3 days.
A manual can opener.
Food — Plan enough canned and nonperishable food to last for at least 3 days.
Heating — Keep firewood for a fireplace or pellets for a wood stove on hand.
A generator and gas to run it.

Food and water are a must, but a generator is a must-have if someone in the home needs the aid of medical equipment, such as an oxygen generator. It’s imperative to follow safety instructions and never, ever bring it inside the home.

Caught in a Car?

Many people get caught in cars during a major blizzard every year, whether it’s on the highway or a back road. The most important safety step is to stay put. Do not — under any circumstances — get out of your car and walk to help unless you’re really close to a store or gas station. It’s much easier for authorities to spot a vehicle than a person, especially during whiteout conditions.

Preparation here is truly key. Prepare before the winter season hits. Stock your car with a few bottles of water and portable snacks, along with a few blankets. These supplies will keep you, at a minimum, hydrated and warm until help reaches you. Water is especially important because if you’re properly hydrated, it’ll be easier for your body to regulate its temperature.

It’s possible to get through a whopper of winter storm no matter where you are if you’re prepared. And it’s always best to prep sooner rather than later because mother nature follows no schedule.