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FEMA Urges families To
Prepare For Winter Weather
Release No.: R1-02-24
Release Date: December 3, 2002
Boston, MA --As severe winter weather hits New
England, it is time to make plans and get prepared. With this in mind, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging everyone to take
preventive measures now to ensure your safety and take the sting out of
wintry weather:
- Assemble
a disaster supply kit. Store drinking water, canned/no-cook food,
non-electric can opener, first aid kit, battery-powered radio,
flashlight and extra batteries where you can get them easily, even in
the dark. Also include winter specific items such as rock salt, sand and
other snow removal equipment.
- Prepare
for the possibility that you will need to stay in your home for several
days after a winter storm. Make sure that you have sufficient heating
fuel as well as emergency heating equipment in case electricity is cut
off.
- House
fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating
sources without taking the necessary safety precautions. Keep all
heaters at least three feet from flammable objects. Maintain ventilation
when using kerosene heaters to avoid a build-up of toxic fumes and
always refuel outside. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure
everyone in your house knows how to use them.
- Keep
cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair. Winterize your car by
checking your car battery, ignition system, thermostat, lights,
flashers, exhaust, heater, brakes, defroster and tires. Ensure that your
car has adequate antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and oil and check
regularly throughout the season.
- Place a
winter emergency kit in each car that includes a shovel, windshield
scraper, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water,
snack food, extra hats and mittens, blanket, tow chain or rope, road
salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares and fluorescent distress
flag.
"Most
people may know that New England weather can be unpredictable. It can
immobilize the region and result in the loss of life and property,"
said FEMA Regional Director, Daniel A. Craig. "Everyone has a
responsibility to do what they can to make sure that their families and
elderly neighbors are as prepared as possible, no matter what the
risk."
Winter
storms accounted for five national major disasters and eight emergency
declarations in 2001, as well as, five major disasters and one emergency
declaration to date in 2002. The severe weather damaged homes and businesses
from New York to Oregon. For more information and tips on what you can do to
prepare for winter weather, visit www.fema.gov.
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