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Will you be ready when the weather outside is frightful?

Winter is coming — are you ready? Prepare for the worst with handy checklists from UAB Emergency Management for home, office and car.

The paralyzing 2014 snow and ice storm popularly known as Snowmageddon drove home the point that Alabama and the Deep South are not immune to winter weather.

This year could bring more of the same as NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting that this winter will see increased precipitation combined with colder than usual temperatures for the Southeast.

The Department of Emergency Management at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has prepared checklists of items to keep on hand in home, office and car to prepare for the day when temperatures fall, the roads are impassible and you are stuck.

winter storm 2014In the car:

  • Jumper cables
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Ice scraper
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Charged cellphone and charger
  • Warm clothes, gloves and sturdy walking shoes
  • Baby supplies, if a small child is in the household
  • Flares or reflective triangle
  • Extra prescription and nonprescription drugs
  • First aid kit
  • Food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars
  • Battery-powered AM/FM radio for traffic reports and emergency information
  • Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
  • Shovel
  • Water for each person and pet
  • Enough gas to get home, allowing for extra time

In the office:

  • Copy of all prescription drugs, including pictures of the labels on your smartphone
  • An at least 72-hour supply of prescription and nonprescription drugs
  • Cans of nonperishable foods, such as soups, in your desk or locker, with a manual can opener
  • Sealable container to carry your supplies if you need to evacuate your workplace
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Copy of your family’s emergency and communication plan

In the home:

  • Nonperishable food such as canned or freeze-dried food, manual can opener, and water
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
  • First aid kit
  • Tools, including a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Signaling whistle
  • Matches in waterproof container
  • For baby: formula, powdered milk, diapers, diaper rash ointment
  • Prescription and nonprescription drugs
  • Paper and pencil
  • Food and extra water for pets
  • Cash or travelers checks
  • Cellphone with chargers or solar charger
  • Local maps
  • Emergency Financial First Aid Kit – FEMA

These checklists are meant to be a guide only. Personal needs may vary.

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