The Denver area is bracing for heavy snowfall in the coming days, and residents can take some precautions before the storm arrives, including checking and filling an emergency supply list for their home as well as stocking essential foods and items.
Do you have a plan?
During winter storms, staying safe and warm can sometimes be a challenge. Winter storms can trigger power failures and the loss of communication services to residents. Having a plan before disaster strikes could save lives, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pay attention to local media and reports. Know where the local emergency shelter is located.
What essentials, in case of a prolonged power loss, should be in your home emergency kit?
Power can go down in residences during storms for long periods of time. Residents can be prepared, according to Xcel Energy, by having the following items, on hand:
- Battery powered radio or television
- An assortment of batteries
- Flashlights
- Non-electric can opener
- Non-electric alarm clock
- Pre-charged smartphones, tablets, laptops
- Extension cords, useful in partial outages
- Backup phone chargers including vehicle phone chargers
- Instructions available on how to open powered doors, including garage doors
Is your food pantry stocked?
Getting out to the local grocery store is ill-advised during a snowstorm, roads can be dangerous and items on store shelves, especially essentials, can be picked over or sparse. A prolonged power outage will reduce what can be cooked and how long foods can last in the freezer or refrigerator.
A pantry list, according to Direct Energy emergency experts, should include:
- Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day, for at least three days)
- Canned goods, soups and stews
- Snack foods, chips, crackers and cookies in sealed packages
- Granola and cereal
- Jarred foods, anything from jellies to pickles to meats
- Canned tuna and salmon
- Peanut butter
- Dried pasta and jarred sauce
- Wax-sealed hard cheeses
- Salted butter lasts longer at room temperature than unsalted butter
- Dried fruit, nuts, jerky and energy bars
- Shelf-stable juice
- Coffee, tea and hot cocoa mix, marshmallows
If there is a loss of power, residents should observe food safety guidelines when preparing foods. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food safety is directly related to the temperature of the food. “To maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures, keep doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for approximately two days and a half-full freezer approximately one day.”
Do you have an emergency supply “go kit?”
Create an emergency supply go kit for the family. It should include personal items, disinfectant wipes and spray, bar or liquid soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and multiple, clean COVID-19 masks for everyone age 2 or older. Masks should have multiple layers and fit snugly against your face.
Source: Read Full Article