It is Winter Weather Preparedness Week and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is encouraging Hoosiers to become better equipped to deal with the approaching winter season.
IDHS provided a couple of tips to help inspire individuals to be actively involved with winter preparedness now through November 18th.
Use this week to create or maintain a home readiness kit that may be needed during winter storms. Kits should include a first aid kit and necessary medications, extra clothing, shoes and blankets as well as copies of important documents such a photo ID and Social Security cards. It would be helpful to have a battery-powered or hand crank radio and flashlight. Also include food and water for up to three days, with one gallon of water per person per day.
Make sure homes are well insulated, including proper weather stripping around all doors and windows. If you have issues with insulation, consider using storm windows or plastic coverings to retain heat.
IDHS officials say to take some time to be sure your house is properly stocked for potential emergency situations. Alternative heating and cooking has been known to cause fires in the winter, be sure to have a working fire extinguisher on hand and check the status of all smoke alarms in the household.
Be aware of how to shut of water valves properly, in case of a burst pipe. Lastly, review homeowner insurance polices to ensure that coverage is adequate for winter weather. For more information visit GetPrepared.IN.gov
