Get ready for very cold temperatures and wind chill

DEM Blogger

December 8, 2017

The current cold snap means that it’s time to be ready for freezing temperatures, snowy conditions outdoors and possible power outages.

Here’s a checklist to go through so you’ll be prepared when winter becomes a serious challenge:

Review your emergency plan

Talk to family members about what you’ll do and where you’ll go if there’s a heavy snowfall, ice storm or power outage. Make sure you have an out-of-state friend or relative who has agreed to be your emergency contact. Check alternate heating sources and make sure they’re safe for indoor use if the power goes out. Your complete planning guide is here.

Check your home emergency kit

Make sure you have fresh batteries for flashlights and radios. If the power goes out, your cell phone will be the best way to get information about what’s going on outside. Make sure you have at least one back-up battery to recharge your cell phone and a car charger cord. Here’s a checklist on what else you need to put in your home emergency kit.

Check your vehicle emergency kit

You should have an emergency kit in your car or truck just in case you get stranded on the road. It needs to have a flashlight, gloves, clothing, food and water, tools and a first aid kit. Here’s the checklist on what you should have in your car kit.

Be aware and stay aware

This time of year, you need to stay in touch with the local weather forecast and the possibility of changing weather conditions. Download an app for your phone that will give you quick access to the weather forecast and current conditions. Make sure your NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio is plugged in, has a fresh set of backup batteries and is working properly. Remember that Lexington Emergency Management has several ways that it can alert you to severe weather and emergency conditions in Fayette County. Here’s the list.