Creating a plan to stay safe, warm during a freeze
With recent talk about a winter storm heading to South Texas, it is good to stay prepared for when it gets here.
Staying safe and warm can be challenging sometimes. To keep you and your loved ones safe, know how to prepare your home and car before the winter storm hits.
First thing’s first, plan ahead. Decide where you will be staying before the winter storm hits.
Make sure you are some place safe.
Stock up on groceries so you won’t have to go out during the storm.
Buy groceries that are easy to make. Try to look for food that does not need to be refrigerated in case the power goes out.
Buy a lot of water, if possible, but do not go overboard as there will be other individuals who will also need water.
Buy essential things you think you will need if the power goes out like portable chargers, batteries, candles and lighters.
Charge all your electronic devices, especially the portable chargers beforehand, just in case.
Have a medical kit and medical supplies, you never know when you’ll need them.
Buy a heater if possible. However, make sure you have enough warm clothes and blankets should the power go out.
If you have any pets, make sure they are inside and some place warm.
If possible, obtain the contact information of vet clinics in case there are any animals that need help.
If you or anyone you know has kids, make sure they stock up on diapers, wipes, formula milk, baby food and enough warm clothes. Have at least a week’s worth to ensure that you have enough.
Catch up on car maintenance in case you need to go out.
Be sure to check if your tires are in good shape and try to keep your gas tank full.
Try not to go out at all if you do not need to, the roads might be icy and slippery and could cause an unwanted accident.
However, if you need to go out, make sure you let your car warm up enough before you drive anywhere.
Your car might stall out if you start driving as soon as you turn it on. Wait a minute or two.
Be mindful and check between the engine and the hood of your car as some cats and other small animals stay there when looking for warm places.
Have jumper cables in case your car does not turn on. Have a scraper to scrape off ice from your car. Do not pour hot water on your windshield as this can cause the glass to crack.
Do not pour cold water either as it will freeze and make matters worse.
Wrap pipes with some sort of cloth. Drip your faucets to keep water flowing through the pipes.
Lastly, keep watching the news and listening to the radio for more updates.
Remember to stay as safe as possible and out of harm’s way.
