Preparing for Fern

As Winter Storm Fern begins its trek across America, millions of people are scrambling to prepare for the worst. Destructive ice and snow. Power outages. Closed highways. This type of catastrophe is different from hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, or any other storm. Winter brings with it freezing conditions and a new world of difficulties. They don’t put fires out with ice. You can’t drive on ice. Utility crews can’t get to downed power lines on impassible roads. Winter can be rough when you’re snowed in your home. It can be far worse if you have to go on the road. Either way, its best to be prepared.

Home Prep Tips

• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace weak batteries and faulty devices.
• 3 days of food and water (one gallon per person per day) for people.
• 3 days of medication for each person.
• 3 days of food and water for pets.
• Extra blankets and extra warm clothing including boots, hat, and gloves.
• Shovels, deicing materials, snow blowers, and plows to clear the driveway.
• Generator and fuel (always run generators outdoors where exhaust emissions can’t harm people indoors and store fuel safely).
• Cooking and heating equipment that is safe to operate indoors and doesn’t depend on the power grid.
• Charge all cell phones and electronic devices.
• Power packs and rechargeable energy cells.
• Radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

Automotive Prep Tips

• Choose a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle for winter driving. 
• Use snow tires or chains where appropriate.
• Charge your vehicle or fill your fuel tank with gasoline or diesel.
• Fill windshield washer reservoir with low temperature fluid.
• Pack a blanket and extra warm clothing including boots, hat, and gloves.
• You should always have food, drink, and extra medication in your vehicle.
• An ice scraper with snow brush and a travel snow shovel may be helpful.
• Bring a cell phone charger and a portable cell battery charger pack.
• Don’t forget a flashlight or two with extra fully-charged batteries.
• Traction aids such as a bag of sand, box of cat litter, and/or traction mats may be useful.

Prepare ahead of time and stay off the roads during the storm if you can. If you have to, travel safely.