Printable Versions of "Let's Get Ready for Winter"
Let's Get Ready for Winter
Each winter, we experience harsh storms across Erie County. Each part of the county is affected differently. Winter storms can be dangerous and cause emergencies with your health and inside your home. There are steps you can take now to keep you and your loved ones safe when a storm happens.
Important Terms
These terms are used on local news and Erie County social media during winter storms.
Why Should We Prepare?
Winter weather can be extremely cold, windy and dangerous at times. You may not be able to drive your car or access public transportation. You might need to stay inside for a few days. You may lose power, making food storage and staying warm difficult. If you lose power, your landline phone will not work and you will not be able to charge mobile devices. You might run out of food, water, and heat quickly if you do not prepare before a storm.
Making sure you have everything you need will help you survive and stay comfortable. It is important to have an action plan for emergencies. This will help make sure your loved ones, especially elders and those living with disabilities, are safe too.
Circle of Care
People in a circle of care offer each other practical help when things get tough. Together, your resources and knowledge will help the whole group stay strong during a winter storm. Your circle can include family, friends, neighbors, faith leaders, safe people, handy people, medical and mental health experts, and more.
In your circle, get together to find out what information and supplies you might be able to share. Make a call tree and a plan for what to do if roads are unsafe or power goes out. Talk about what you might need if you are stuck inside for a few days. Know who needs help shoveling, who needs oxygen and medicine, who needs to get to work, and who needs diapers and formula.
How to Prepare
Make a Call Tree
Call trees have been used to share information for generations. Each person is responsible for contacting the people directly below them and reporting back if someone is not answering or needs help. Checking in on neighbors can happen quickly with a call tree. Your call tree may prevent neighbors from feeling isolated or lonely, too.
Remember to make a plan for how to respond to needs and emergencies that come up during check-ins and what to do if phones are not working. Landline phones may not work when your power is out
Stay Safe
- Take breaks when shoveling & be careful when pushing stuck cars to avoid overexertion.
- A battery-powered AM/FM radio will still receive updates if the power goes out.
- Protect water pipes from freezing by keeping the water dripping from the faucet a little bit.
- If you take medication and live alone, make sure your pharmacist, doctor, and a person you trust know to get medications to you.
- If you use powered medical equipment, find out about back up power sources.
- Alert the electric company to prioritize your needs.
- If you have a disability that impacts speech, keep printed information explaining needs.
Build a Blizzard Kit
Blizzard Kit is a set of supplies useful in a cold weather emergency where you are stuck inside your home or car for a period of time. A good rule is to have enough supplies for each person and animal in your home to last three days or more.