WINTER STORM PREPAREDNESS TIPS

Outdoor Survival -- The Six Survival Rules

·         Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. If you move from one area to another, advise someone.

·         Never go on an outing by yourself.

·         Take enough food for several days.

·         Take a compass and map of the area and know how to use them. Before leaving camp, orient yourself to the area.

·         Wear proper clothing and equipment. Weather conditions can change quickly.

·         Plan your outing so that you can return to camp before dark.

If you find yourself stranded or lost outdoors, you can depend on these three things:

·       Clothing/equipment you have with you

·       Your ability to use whatever survival, knowledge and skills you possess

·       Your mental attitude - confidence in yourself, plus the desire to survive no matter how difficult circumstances may become.

STOP...when lost

S-Stop where you are. Stop, relax and regain your composure.

T-Think - keep your cool. Use your brain; it is your best survival tool. Make sure you have a clear head before making any decisions.

O-Observe your surroundings, your equipment and your physical condition. Identify the factors which most affect your possible survival and consider solutions.

P-Plan a course of action. Consider all factors, adopt a plan which best utilizes your skill, knowledge, equipment and your physical and mental state. Prevent and care for physical injuries, protect yourself from the elements (shelter and fire construction), prevent exposure, acquire water and prepare signals for attracting rescuers.

Vehicle Safety

Plan your travel and check weather reports to avoid the storm. Delay trips if necessary.
Assemble supplies for your vehicle disaster supply kit, packing them in an easy-to-carry container.

Supply List

  • Flashlight, battery powered radio and extra batteries
  • Booster cables
  • Blankets or sleeping bag, extra clothing
  • Fire extinguisher (5lb., A-B-C type)
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Non-perishable high energy food and bottled water
  • Maps
  • Shovel
  • Tire repair kit, pump and other basic tools
  • Signal flares, matches
  • Non-electric can opener, utility knife
  • Sterno, canned heat or catalytic heater
  • Spare vehicle parts (belts, hoses, etc.)

Conserve vehicle fuel, run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep warm, crack a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. In extreme cold, use seat covers, newspapers, blankets or extra clothing for covering - anything to provide insulation and warmth. Turn the dome light on so rescue teams can spot you at night, but do not run down the battery. If you have a cell phone, use it as needed but leave it off when you are not using it so the battery will remain charged. Do not set out on foot! Stay inside your vehicle; rescuers are most likely to find you there.

Home Supply Kit

Water

·       Keep at least a three-day supply, 1 gallon per person -- per day

Food - Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

·       Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables

·       Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)

·       Staples - sugar, salt, pepper

·       High energy foods - peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, peanuts

·       Special diet foods

·       Comfort/stress foods - cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee, tea bags

Clothing/Bedding - Include at least one complete change of clothing/footwear per person

·       Blankets/sleeping bags

·       Snow boots

·       Hat, gloves

·       Thermal underwear

FIRST AID KIT

Basic Items

·         Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

Tools and Supplies

Special Items