Blizzards and Winter Storms


Prepare a 72 hour kit (emergency kit for emergencies, not just winter weather related) for power outages and blocked roads. Winds, ice and snow tend to bring down power lines. Make sure that you have candles, matches or lighters, a battery operated radio, and emergency food supplies and a lot of blankets. Think about where you’ll put candles to keep them lit and safe. Have plenty of food staples like powdered milk and protein bars. If your water supply depends on an electric pump, bottled water may be a good idea.

Staying warm when the power goes out may be a problem. Don’t think you’re immune if you don’t use electricity to heat your home.

Traveling in a blizzard is just not a good idea. No trip is worth your life. If you feel you must travel, or just are planning a trip and want to check road closures and conditions, is a web site operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation which details closures and road conditions throughout the state. If roads are closed or travel may be treacherous, the best option would be re-scheduling your trip.

If you get stranded in your car during a bad snow storm be prepared with plenty of warm clothes and packaged snack foods. It may seem sensible to leave the engine running to keep warm, but it isn’t. The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning is high. Snow can block your exhaust pipe and fill the car with deadly fumes. Keeping one window open just a bit will help avoid this. A good idea is to run the engine in short bursts. Turn the engine on long to keep the car warm and then turn it off.

Designate a spot, in the hall closet (or central location), to keep a bag of warm clothes

Along with warm clothes and blankets, consider stocking your 72 hour Kit with the following: batteries, flash lights, battery operated radio/television, bottled water, toilet paper, nonperishable foods such as cereal or crackers, canned goods, a non electric can opener, a small cooler, candles, prescription medicines and any over-the-counter remedies you use regularly; and if you have young infants or toddlers – diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food.

Stock up on shovels and snow removal equipment.

If you live in an area that gets bad storms regularly consider investing in an emergency generator.

Have a cell phone.

Unless you absolutely have to go outside, STAY INSIDE and stay safe.