How Do You Prepare for a Big Storm?

Will you be affected by the approaching great storm, whether on your travels or at home? What are your top tips for preparing for a big storm? I see tons of great tips on the internet and thought of putting some together, but also let me start a discussion about what you’re doing…

If You’re Worried About Losing Strength, How Can You Prepare for a Big Storm?

• Charge all your devices and travel chargers.
• Before a storm, unplug or turn off non-essential devices.
• Microwave etc. If you can’t use it, think about what you’re going to eat.
• Plan how you can avoid opening your freezer or refrigerator during a potential power outage; For example, you may want to put a cooler small enough for the day.
• Consider filling a tub with water so that toilets have enough water to flush — this article family mechanic He apparently gives good advice on different toilet systems and when this might affect you.
• If you’re expecting snowfall or getting a large snowfall, make sure your outdoor vents are turned on to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning – also verify that your carbon monoxide detectors are working. (If you’re traveling, we recently recommended this travel carbon monoxide detectorhas battery backup.) Here is an article mass.gov with more information.
• Plus tons of great stuff on NYS’ emergency management site safety tips for power outages!

How to Prepare for a Big Storm If You’re Driving

We hope this is obvious advice – here are some great tips AAA. My tips:

• Pay attention to local conditions to determine whether you will drive or not.
• Leave a lot (and a lot of) extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• AAA recommends that you always have at least half a tank of gasoline.
• Dress tight – if you tend to do errands without a jacket (or if you have an older child) rejects the concept of the mantle), think again. In case of an accident, you will want to be in thick clothing. (However: If you still have little ones in the car seat, make sure their seat belts still fit properly if they’re wearing jackets or snowsuits – here’s an article healthychildren.org They have good advice on snowsuits and car seats.)
• Keep emergency cold weather gear in your car: a warm blanket, flashlight, snow shovel, etc. Here tips from AAA.

How to Prepare for a Big Storm If You’re Flying

• Prepare yourself (and your fellow travelers) emotionally for the fact that your flight may be cancelled.
• Keep your jacket and shoes on board – even if you’re flying somewhere warm, your plane may make an emergency landing somewhere else and you’ll need them.
• If you’re flexible, see if you can rebook your trip.
• Download the airline’s app to your phone for easy rebooking.
• If your credit card has a concierge service, they can help you if you’re having problems the normal way; Article explaining more from Experian.

How Do You Prepare for a Big Storm if Your Area Isn’t Used to the Cold?

I remember this from years when I lived in DC – often if you live in (or visit) a warmer climate, the infrastructure may not be ready for a big storm or fallout. I saw this randomly 14-Tweet thread Along with lots of great tips from Houston weather host Travis Herzog:

• Prepare to protect your outdoor pets from the cold. (Note: If you want to build a shelter for local stray/wild cats, here are these tips from a wild cat rescue group. Don’t follow your first instincts and don’t use towels or blankets because they get cold when they get wet.)
• Protect your pipes—consider turning off your home’s water and draining the pipes before the frost starts.
• To flush toilets, fill your tub with water.

These are the big clues I’ve seen – why worry about the big storm? (Are you worried about extreme weather in general?) What are your top tips for preparing for a big storm?

Stock photo via stencil.