Surviving a Winter Storm Disaster Means Planning Ahead at Home and on the Road

In the coming winter months it is as important as ever to vigilantly prepare for any sort of unexpected snow disasters. It is easy in all the business of the holiday season to concentrate all of our efforts on buying gifts and niceties for beloved friends and family. Perhaps the most invaluable gift should be disaster preparedness supplies. According to a U.S. Department of Commerce web site, “Extreme cold often accompanies a winter storm or is left in its wake. Prolonged exposure to the cold can…become life-threatening”.

Even when in your home one is not out of harms way during a winter storm. 20% of winter deaths occur in the home while approximately 70% occur in an automobile (U.S. Department of Commerce). However, many of these deaths may have been avoidable. With a little action, one can seriously increase their chances of survival during a storm. Officials with the government propose to have emergency food (which does not require heat for cooking) and emergency water supplies. “Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration”. In addition, to stay current on the weather news and stay safe, it is advised that in one’s home extra emergency flash lights and radios with batteries. But regular flashlights and batteries require you to contantly replace the batteries. Tha't why you should should get a a solar and hand-crank powered AM/FM radio with flash light which never needs batteries. This way you don't have hassle or waste your money with storing and replacing batteries for disaster preparedness.

The unpredictability of winter storms requires caution and care when in transit. Keeping a storm survival kit is highly suggested which contains essential emergency supplies such as first aid, high calorie food, flashlights, radios, and other items that the government proposes one might find necessary when caught on the road during a storm.

The way to best survive natural disaster ordeals is to stay informed and well stocked on emergency supplies. This holiday season give the gift of security and confidence. Let someone you love un-wrap the very things that will keep them alive during a winter storm. Give them the gift of disaster preparedness supplies.

By Casey Kozoll
QuakeKare Press
December 4th 2006