Properly preparing for winter storms and floods

Lake Forest, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/20/2014 --Impact Forecasting issued its latest edition of its monthly Global Catastrophe Recap report, which lists the natural disasters that happened worldwide during January 2014. The report cites that a series of powerful winter storms brought excessive snow and bitter cold to the United States. It also mentioned that torrential rains caused widespread flood damage and dozens of fatalities in parts of Asia and South America.

Natural disasters are unpredictable and nothing beats being prepared. They strike anytime and it is best to learn how to prepare for the unexpected. It is best to be equipped with proper supplies in the event of an emergency. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry kit for convenience in case of evacuation.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A WINTER STORM

1. Winterize your vehicle. Keep the gas tank full, as it keeps the fuel line from freezing.
2. Insulate home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
3. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
4. Turn on heat in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F, if leaving during cold weather.

Winter Storm Survival Kit:
1. Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
2. Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
3. Flashlight
4. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
5. Extra batteries
6. First aid kit
7. Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
8. Multi-purpose tool
9. Sanitation and personal hygiene items
10. Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
11. Cell phone with chargers
12. Family and emergency contact information
13. Extra cash
14. Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
15. Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
16. Tools/supplies for securing your home
17. Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery
18. Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members
19. Ample alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood- or coal-burning stoves

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A FLOOD

Pack the following:

1. Water - at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
2. Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
3. Flashlight
4. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
5. Extra batteries
6. First Aid kit
7. Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
8. Multi-purpose tool
9. Sanitation and personal hygiene items
10. Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
11. Cell phone with chargers
12. Family and emergency contact information
13. Extra cash
14. Emergency blanket
15. Map(s) of the area
16. Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
17. Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
18. Tools/supplies for securing your home
19. Extra set of car keys and house keys
20. Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
21. Rain gear
22. Insect repellent and sunscreen
23. Camera for photos of damage

Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

About Express Survival
Express Survival was founded with the goal of supplying people and families with the things they need to survive when disaster strikes. Too often we hear about those without food, water, shelter, first-aid and other life saving materials because they had not been prepared. We aim to fix that. We are a 100% veteran owned company that specializes in life saving survival kits and supplies. Owned and operated out of Southern California, we offer superb customer service and expert advice on all things survival.