by Ramona Taylor

Created on: November 21, 2009   Last Updated: January 02, 2010

When cold weather hits, staying safe and warm can be a challenge. Between icy conditions and power failure, you and your family may be at risk for indoor cold weather hazards. While predicting inclement weather is complicated, being prepare for inclement weather is a must.  Here are some tips for your home winter weather safety kit:

1) Have an alternate heating source in your home which works during power failure;

2) Keep a non-electric can opener;

3) Always have ample supply of bottled water (for drinking and cooking);

4) Have a nattery powered radio clock and batteries of all sizes;

6) Make sure your snow shovel is handy and in good shape;

7) Maintain a supply of rock salt, sand and/or kitty litter;

8) Make sure you have more than one flashlight or battery powered lantern;

9) Maintain a well supplied first aid kit;

10) Have plenty of wool and flannel blankets;

11) Keep lighters or matches handy;

12) Have ample supply of food that does not need to be cooked, such as crackers, fruits, and canned meats;

13) Make sure you have a house thermometer what is working properly;

14) Have candles and kem/florescent light sticks as a backup to flashlights and latterns; and

15) Keep all mobile and cell phones fully charged.

For yout pets, you will need to bring your pets inside. Be sure that you have a warm place for them as well as food and water.

If your power goes out, one of your primary concerns will be keeping your family warm. If you have a fireplace or woodstove, this can serve as your emergency heat. Have a good supply of firewood and store it in a dry, easily accessible spot near your house. Also, make sure that chimneys and flue are checked each year. If you don't have a fireplace or woodstove, kerosene heaters are an option; however, with these make sure your house is equipped with battery operated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you are not comfortable having a kerosene heater, opt for getting a generator. With a generator, you will be able to run the electrical systems in your home, including television, kitchen appliances, and heating units.

Second to heat, you will need to have an ample supply of food and drinking water. Store a few days supply of food and ample cases or gallons of drinking water. Don't forget, you will need water for basic bathroom and kitchen use. If you have buckets or storage containers, you may be able to use melted snow or ice for any non-consumption water needs. As for food, canned and dry

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