Gathering the essentials for a winter storm:
Preparing for Bad Weather can be mentally and physically exhausting. We've prepared this list to help out the residents of Southern MD. If you see something we've missed let us know. We'd love to add it to the list.
🛒 The Essential Shopping List
Grab these
before the first flake falls to avoid the "bread and milk" rush.
🍱 Pantry & Home
- Water: At least 1 gallon per person (and pet) per day for at least 3 days.
- Non-Perishable Food: Focus on items that don't require cooking (granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, canned meats/fruits, and peanut butter). If you have a way to heat foods when the power goes out make some chili, ravioli and soups in advance.
- Hand Can Opener: Don't get stuck with canned food you can’t open if the power is out!
- Batteries: Stock up on AAs and AAAs for flashlights and radios.
- Heating Safety: Firewood for the fireplace or fuel for a safe indoor heater.
- Thermos: Fill a thermos with hot coffee, hot soup or hot chocolate prior to the storm starting.
- The Necessities: TP, paper towels, paper plates, disposable cups
- Cleaning the mess: Old towels, blankets, plastic tarping
SHARE WITH US IN THE COMMENTS BELOW THE ITEMS YOU BUY TO PREPARE FOR A WINTER STORM...
❄️ Snow Removal & Safety
- Ice Melt: Rock salt or calcium chloride (calcium chloride is safer for some surfaces and works at lower temperatures).
- Traction: Kitty litter or sand (essential for getting tires unstuck).
- Tools: A sturdy snow shovel or a working snowblower (with extra gasoline).
- 💊 Health & Hygiene
- Medications: At least a 7-day supply of all prescriptions.
- First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers.
- Baby/Pet Needs: Extra diapers, formula, and plenty of pet food.
🏠 Things To Do At Home
Preparation is about more than just buying stuff; it's about securing the property.
- Prevent Frozen Pipes: Keep a small drip of water running through faucets and open cabinet doors under sinks to allow heat to circulate.
- Charge Everything: Power up phones, laptops, rechargeable flashlights,and external power banks now.
- Check Detectors: Test smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. If using a generator or fireplace, CO safety is critical.
- Winterize Openings: Use weather-stripping or even rolled-up towels to block drafts under doors and windows.
- Gas Up: Fill the gas tanks of all vehicles and ensure any gas-powered equipment is ready.
- Generator: If you have a generator give it a test run to be sure it's working.
❄️ Just For Fun
- Winter Gear: Hats, Coats, Gloves, Scarfs, Coveralls, Boots
- Fun Stuff: Sleds
🚗 Car Emergency Kit
Maryland roads can get treacherous quickly. If you must travel, you should have these in the car:
- Ice Scraper & Brush: A must for visibility.
- Blankets: Or a sleeping bag for every passenger.
- Jumper Cables: Cold weather is tough on car batteries.
- Bright Cloth: A red or orange cloth to tie to the antenna if they get stranded so rescuers can find them.
- Full Tank: Keep the gas tank at least half full to prevent the fuel line from freezing.
⚠️ Vital Safety Reminders
- Shovel Safely: Heart attacks from overexertion are common during snow removal. Advise viewers to push snow rather than lift it and take frequent breaks.
- Generator Safety: Never run a generator inside a home, garage, or near an open window. Keep it at least 20 feet away from the house.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for MdReady text alerts (text "MdReady" to 898-211) to get official Maryland emergency updates.
