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Winter Prep
Mon Jan 17, 2005
Listen in RealAudio 
Here it is, winter already. Nobody can predict more than a few days in advance when
severe weather will strike, so now is the time to prepare. Hi, I’m Bryan Yeaton for The
Weather Notebook.
Food and water are certainly important, but you can survive for a night without them. So
make sure everyone has plenty of extra blankets, or a winter sleeping bag. Your home
is your tent; the more tightly it is sealed, and the better insulated, the warmer you will
be. Don’t sleep too close to a fire with your nice nylon sleeping bag; one spark could
easily set you and the rest of the house a-flame.
If the situation is more than overnight, the most important item is water. Hydration is
not only a key to survival, it is also a critical tool in keeping you warm. Most
organizations recommend a gallon a day per person—for drinking and washing. They
also recommend a three-day supply as a minimum. But you may notice that store
shelves run out quickly just before a storm.
For food, go with cans, foil pouches, and dehydrated products. Buy foods that you like
to eat; a disaster won’t make them taste any better. Crackers and peanut butter are
excellent sources of energy that store well. And don’t forget "comfort foods" like
chocolate and other sweets. You will need the calories to keep warm, being stranded
in the winter is not the time to diet!
For tastiness, as well as to kill bacteria, food should be thoroughly cooked. Stoves for
backpackers are small and fairly efficient. Buy your stove now and practice with it!
Outside.
Flashlights are safer than candles: make sure you have plenty of fresh, spare
batteries, and your NOAA Weather Radio to keep you apprised of the event. Hopefully,
you won’t have to use any of this!
The Weather Notebook is funded by Subaru of America.
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