Winter Storms in Coeur d’Alene’s Future: How to Prepare

A recent weather advisory from the Coeur d’Alene Press stated that big ice storms and other unpleasant winter weather conditions are possible in the near future. The report stated that the weather is currently showing patterns of precipitation and dropping temperatures, characteristic of winter storm conditions.

For that reason, now is the time to start thinking about how you’ll prepare if a winter ice storm hits. These storms don’t mean just a little snow. They mean enough bad weather that the town could virtually shut down - similar to the wind storm we just experienced.

The roads could be too dangerous to travel, roads could close, and stores might need to close their doors temporarily. It may not be the apocalypse, but you do need to be prepared to live off what you have on hand for up to a week. Feeling unprepared? No worries. Simply follow this handy guide we’ve created and you’ll be just fine.

Step 1: Assess Your Situation

Begin by considering the supplies you have already. Most people have at least a little food storage leftover from their last shopping trip, a first aid kit, and a flashlight. This is very useful, but you’ll need a few more things if you want to be comfortable during a winter storm outage.

You’ll also want to look around your home to see if it can handle a winter storm. Your vehicles and home should be winterized in order to protect them from ice damage and leakage. Good insulation is also important for keeping your home toasty warm. In case your power goes out, it’s also important to have a backup heat source or generator.

Step 2: Gather Some Supplies

Now that you’ve had a chance to look around your home and determine what you have, make lists of the things you don’t. There are six categories of supplies you’ll need: communication, heating, cooking and lighting, food and safety, water, and car and emergency. Here are a few of the more important items in those categories:

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·         Two-way radio

·         Winter storm warning alerts

·         All-weather pens and notebooks for documentation

·         Extra blankets

·         Fireplace or wood-burning stove

·         Portable space heater with kerosene or propane hookups

·         Generator

·         Battery-powered flashlights or lanterns

·         Charcoal or gas grills or camp stoves

·         Drinking water

·         First-aid kit

·         30-day supply of food for every member of the family

·         Shovel

·         Compass

·         Waterproof matches

·         Tire chains

Step 3: Prepare Your Home

Your home may be strong, but it probably wasn’t built to handle the stresses of a winter storm. If you don’t prepare the structure, you’ll have some major structural and safety issues to deal with. Here are a few preparation tips for your home:

·         Run a small trickle of water from your faucets to keep your pipes from freezing.

·         Have a place indoors for outside pets to stay during the storm and cold weather.

·         Make room for your food storage and supplies.

·         Winterize windows and doors to prevent air and water leakage.

·         Have an emergency plan in place for your family to follow.

·         Ensure that all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

·         Be cautious and knowledgeable in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, fire, deadly gaseous fumes, and other dangerous occurrences.

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With just three simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to winter storm preparedness. As many recently learned, a storm can strike at any time, rendering you powerless. You may have been unprepared last time, but make sure you’re ready to face whatever comes this winter. 

To help you on your journey, add “browse Rainwriter.com now!” to your to-do list. Our all-weather journals, pens, and pencils would make a great addition to your winter storm preparations.