As colder weather arrives in many areas, it's an ideal time to check and restock your safety and preparedness kits. The change of seasons serves as a perfect reminder to ensure you're ready for potential emergencies.

While home preparedness kits are essential, it's equally important to maintain kits for your vehicle and workplace.

Below we review the key supplies for each location to help you stay safe and prepared this fall and winter.

Home Safety Kit

Your home kit should be comprehensive enough to sustain your household for at least 72 hours. Include the following:

Emergency Essentials:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• First aid kit with essential medications
• Non-perishable food and bottled water (3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Matches in a waterproof container

Warmth and Comfort:

• Warm blankets and extra clothing
• Sleeping bags

Power and Communication:

• Portable phone charger and extra batteries
• Battery bank for electronic devices

Winter-Specific Items:

• Rock salt or ice melt for walkways
• Snow shovel and other snow removal equipment
• Alternative heating methods (e.g., fireplace, wood-burning stove)

Workplace Safety Kit

Ensure your workplace is prepared with these items:

Emergency Supplies:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• First aid kit
• Non-perishable snacks and bottled water

Winter Gear:

• Complete change of warm clothing
• Boots, gloves, and a jacket
• Hand and foot warmers

Personal Items:

• Essential medications
• Personal hygiene items

Communication:

• Portable phone charger
• List of emergency contact numbers

Vehicle Winter Safety Kit

Your vehicle kit is crucial for unexpected situations on the road. Those situations can arise from short commutes to weekend excursions. Be prepared!

Emergency Equipment:

• Jumper cables
• Flares or reflective triangles
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Small shovel
• Traction aids (sand, kitty litter, or traction mats)

Survival Gear:

• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Extra warm clothing, boots, gloves, and hats
• Hand and foot warmers

Food and Water:

• Non-perishable snacks
• Bottled water

Tools and Supplies:

• Basic tool kit
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Portable phone charger

Winter-Specific Items:

• Windshield washer fluid rated for low temperatures
• Collapsible shovel

By maintaining these kits, you'll be better prepared to handle cold weather emergencies at home, work, and on the road.

Remember to check and update your kits regularly, replacing any expired items and adjusting contents based on your specific needs, routines, and local weather patterns.

For additional resources and more detailed information on winter preparedness, consider visiting the following websites:

1. Ready.gov - Winter Weather Preparedness: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather
2. National Weather Service - Winter Safety: https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter
3. American Red Cross - Winter Storm Safety: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html
4. FEMA - How to Prepare for Winter Storms: https://www.fema.gov/blog/how-prepare-winter-storms

Stay safe and warm this winter season!