How should new yorkers prepare themselves for a blizzard?

Answer 1

They should have food supplies, candles, flashlights, battery-operated radios, blankets, and warm clothes.

They must be inside at all times even if they are somewhere else.

Make sure they have a bathroom.

Be prepared in case of emergency!

Get bottled water.

Do not go outside because it can slow down you and your vehicle.

Have towels.

Keep your children safe, no one wants to get killed.

These are some tips for being prepared

Some additional suggestions:

Short term - things you can do on short notice:

• Charge your cellphone(s)
• Have a 3 day supply of food that does not require heating or refrigeration. Power may go out and you still need to be able to eat without power. Canned and boxed foods are good. If you have canned goods, make sure you have a good can opener too!
• Have a couple of extra rolls of toilet paper
• Have a gallon of water per person.
• Have a week's supply of critical medicines on hand - insulin, heart medications, etc.
• Do not go outside during a blizzard unless absolutely necessary - but if you do, make sure you have appropriate clothing:
  • Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
  • Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
  • Wear a hat.
  • Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
• Take note of elderly and disabled people in your neighborhood and find out if they need help preparing
• Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
  • Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
  • Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
  • Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
  • Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
  • Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
  • Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
  • Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level

• Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit:

  • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
  • Sand to improve traction
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

Long term - Things that require longer lead times...

• Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structurethat may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
• Install Carbon Monoxide detectors and maintain in working condition - when using alternative heating sources, carbon monoxide becomes an extra hazard
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

• Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
  • Brakes - replace if needed
  • Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes andrepair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
  • Heater and defroster - get repaired if they do not work properly.
  • Thermostat - ensure it works properly
• Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

• Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:

• a shovel
• windshield scraper and small broom
• flashlight
• battery powered radio
• extra batteries
• water
• snack food
• matches
• extra hats, socks and mittens
• First aid kit with pocket knife
• Necessary medications
• blanket(s)
• tow chain or rope
• road salt and sand
• booster cables
• emergency flares
• fluorescent distress flag