VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The following is a news releases by Barnes County Emergency Manager Sue Lloyd.
“With winter upon us, now is the perfect time to refresh your memory on how to be prepared for emergencies during winter storms and extreme cold weather.
Image Planning and preparing are two of the most important things we can do to keep ourselves and our families safe. Successful planning consists of putting together an emergency kit, having a plan, being informed of current and changing conditions.
As I mentioned earlier, construct an emergency kit that can be utilized in the event one is needed (it is suggested to plan for three days). Some suggested items are:
Minimum of 3-Day Food/Water Supply
Canned and non-perishable food
⦁ Water – 1 gallon of water per day/per person
⦁ Baby formula and supplies
Health Supplies
⦁ Minimum of 3-day supply of medicines and prescription medicine
⦁ Medical Supplies (syringes, cane, hearing aids, extra batteries)
Personal Care Items
⦁ Hand Sanitizer
⦁ Soap
⦁ Towels
⦁ Toilet articles
⦁ Blankets
⦁ Containers for waste
⦁ Baby wipes
⦁ First aid kit
Electronics
All Hazards Radio
⦁ Flashlight
⦁ Batteries
⦁ Cell phone chargers
Children
⦁ Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers, etc.)
Pets
⦁ Water (generally 1 gallon is needed for three days)
⦁ Pet food
⦁ Bowls or bottles
⦁ Litter box
⦁ Paper towels
⦁ Trash bags
⦁ Leash, harness or carrier
⦁ Pet toys
During a winter storm or extreme adverse weather conditions, avoid going outside. If you must go outside, wear several layers of lightweight clothing, this will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from cold air.
If you must travel, keep your gas tank full, let someone know your destination, route, and estimated time of arrival. Carry an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle, items you may want to include:
Winter survival Kits
⦁ Blankets
⦁ Mittens
⦁ Socks
⦁ Hats
⦁ Ice scraper
⦁ Flashlight with extra batteries
⦁ Jumper cables
⦁ First aid kit
⦁ Bottled water and high-calorie, non-perishable food (trail mix, energy/protein bars)
⦁ Shovel
⦁ A bag of sand or cat litter
⦁ Tow strap
⦁ Hand warmers
⦁ Matches
Carry a cell phone and have an alternative power charging source available for cell phones and other portable devices. If you become stranded in your vehicle, DO NOT try to walk to safety.
Staying with your vehicle greatly increases your chances of survival. Attach a brightly colored cloth to a window or antenna for rescuers to see. Clean snow from your vehicle’s exhaust pipe. Start the vehicle intermittently and run the heater for a brief time every hour.
Keep one window (away from the wind) slightly open to let air in. Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen. If you get stranded, do not expect to be comfortable, the challenge is to survive until you are found.”
Sue Lloyd is the Barnes County Emergency Manager.