EMERGENCY PREPARATION #3 SNOW by Gail K. Kachnycz 21 January 2026
This winter 2025-26 is starting out as a snowy one, with three events already that required clearing snow from cars and walkways. Roads were not plowed quickly, resulting in hazardous driving conditions. This was just practice for the storm we are anticipating this coming Sunday January 25, with 19 to 24 inches of snow predicted. The weather alert on my phone instructs me to implement my plan of preparation. I am inserting the link for Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. If you do not live in Philadelphia, search your county's government website for emergency management instructions.
Philadelphia Emergency Management/Snow
The website gives a lot of detailed information related to snow, heating, and travel. Caregivers need to have emergency supplies for their loved one. Here are the links for my previous posts on preparing for emergencies:
Emergency Preparation 25 June 2025
Emergency Preparation #2 Critical Supplies
Here are a few of my thoughts on preparing for snow.
- Be sure you have a backup plan for loss of electrical power. Battery operated lighting, radio or device for media, and a way to charge your phone. I have used the car phone port to charge my phone during loss of electricity. If you turn on your car to charge the phone, do not keep the car in the garage. Carbon monoxide will seep into the house. Be sure that all devices and medical equipment have a full battery charge. Fill up your car; gas stations require electricity to operate the pumps.
-You may experience loss of internet or phone service. Text messages are sometimes delivered when phone service does not work.
-Have a backup plan for heat. If using kerosene heaters or generators, follow all safety regulations to avoid fire hazard or exposure to carbon monoxide. Be sure there is adequate ventilation and do not operate a generator in a garage (carbon monoxide will seep into the house). If you plan on using a fireplace, be sure the chimney is clean & you know how to operate the flues properly.
-Take precautions so that your water pipes do not freeze. This may mean allowing a small stream of water to flow from a faucet at all times.
-Obtain medications and medical supplies in advance of the storm.
-Obtain supplies for clearing the snow. Have a shovel and kitty litter or some other item to promote friction for your wheels if your car is stuck on ice or snow. Get enough salt for pavements around your house.
-We have a heat pump, so the unit fan operates year round. It does have a defrost mode for the blade, but probably not enough for 24" of snow! If you are in the same situation, check the manual for your unit to learn how to protect it in bad weather. If you can't put your hands on the manual, information is probably available on line, just check the unit for the brand model type & number.
-Stock up on bread, milk, and eggs. These items fly off the shelves before a storm. Everyone must make French Toast when it snows. OK, I am just kidding. But seriously, go food shopping, especially if your loved one requires a special diet. And so you are fully prepared, here is a recipe for French Toast.
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