PREPARING FOR WINTER WEATHER

I don't know about you, but I prefer the warmer weather. Perhaps that's one reason I'm settled in the south. Lucky for me, we have more warm weather than cold and I'm certainly grateful for that! However, we all realize that Dallas can get PLENTY cold as you have likely experienced and will continue to experience (i.e. "arctic" weather is on the way and due to arrive THIS Sunday night...) Around here, the weather can do just about anything so if you're like me, you'll feel a happy sense of relief if you have thought ahead about cold weather preparedness.
Last winter, we had some neighbors whose heater broke during a cold snap...and it was several days before it was repaired. Can you say, "EXTRA BLANKETS, PLEASE!!!"

Let me share with you a few ideas for things to have on hand (and in surplus) if you're stuck "OUT in the cold" or "IN in the cold"! Obviously, you have to think of both and plan accordingly. If you have to leave the house quickly, you have to make sure you have quick access to your winter gear. You can pack what you can in your emergency kit and have other supplies handy as well.

First, look to your 72-hour kits. Do you have sufficient warm clothing? Long pants and long-sleeve clothing for you and your family? How about your minimum three-day water and food reserve? Okay, how about we make a little list...

A FEW WINTER WEATHER EMERGENCY SUPPLIES FOR YOU TO THINK ABOUT--

1. Minimum three-day WATER and FOOD supply in case you are unable to stir from home for a time.
2. Emergency blankets/wool-type blankets. Sleeping bags, too.
3. A full (or mostly full) tank of gasoline in your car. Blankets in your trunk? An emergency kit for your car.
4. Hand warmers
5. Matches (waterproof) and firestarters/lighters
5 Indoor-safe heaters using alternate power sources such as propane. "Canned" fuel for warming or cooking.
6. Emergency light sources--flashlights, lanterns, candles.

Take some time to gather some necessities and feel peacefully prepared!

As always, feel free to contact me if I can be of service to you or answer any questions you may have.

Kim Adair