Take time today through Friday morning to PREPARE for the winter storm moving in Friday night/Saturday. Print this checklist off and make sure you cover all of the following. Do NOT wait until Saturday morning to try to get prepared.

Risk: power loss/dangerous cold conditions

Prepare:
1. Get a power bank for your phone, charge it
2. Have a full tank of gas (for charging phones/warmth)
3. Have nonperishable food at home
4. Buy bottled water (2-3 days’ worth)
5. Put a weather seal around doors and windows
6. Make sure to have a surplus of blankets/clothes
7. Buy a carbon monoxide and smoke detector

If you use any indoor heating equipment, be cautious of carbon monoxide poisoning. Not all “backup” heating systems are safe for indoors, so be careful of their use.

Risk: busted pipes from freezing temps

Prepare:
1. Insulate any and ALL exposed outdoor pipes
2. Insulate water faucets on the outside of homes
3. Unhook outdoor water hoses
4. Leave water faucets indoors at a slow drip (NOT a running stream)
5. Open cabinet doors that have pipes inside to allow heat to enter.

Risk: Pet death

Prepare:
1. Get a crate and bring it inside during temperatures in the teens.
2. Anytime spent outdoors, cedar chips and hay need to be provided
3. Water in bowls will freeze, so an adequate source of water should be provided

Risk: vulnerable population

Prepare:
1. Check on the elderly and homeless
2. All items above should be ensured for the elderly
3. If you have contact with anyone who doesn’t have shelter, make sure they know the Sacred Space is available to them

Risk: driving in Ice

Prepare:
1. Don’t do it.