Tips to prepare now for severe winter weather ahead

CHICAGOCold temperatures, heavy snow, and treacherous ice storms are all risks of the impending winter season.

Severe winter weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who dont take the proper precautions, said FEMA Region V acting administrator Janet Odeshoo. Preparedness begins with knowing your risks, making a communications plan with your family and having an emergency supply kit with essentials such as water, food, flashlights and medications.

Once youve taken these steps, consider going beyond the basics of disaster preparedness with the following tips to stay safe this cold season.

Before winter approaches, add the following items to your supply kit: Winterize your winter supply kit Rock salt or other environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways Sand to improve traction Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment Sufficient heating fuel and/or a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

Stay fire safe Keep flammable items at least 3 feet from heat sources like radiators, space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves. Plug only one heat-producing appliance (such as a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.

Ensure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home. Check it on a monthly basis. Keep warm, even when its cold outside: If you have a furnace, have it inspected now to ensure its in good working condition.

If your home heating requires propane gas, stock up on your propane supply and ensure you have enough to last an entire winter. Many homeowners faced shortages due to the record freezing winter weather last year, and this season theres the possibility of lower than normal temperatures again. Dont be caught unprepared.

Avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide by installing battery-powered or battery back-up carbon monoxide detectors.

Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.

Prevent frozen pipes If your pipes are vulnerable to freezing, i.e., they run through an unheated or unprotected space, consider keeping your faucet at a slow drip when extremely cold temperatures are predicted.

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Tips to prepare now for severe winter weather ahead