Family Emergency Preparedness
When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towel wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Local maps
Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
- Cash or traveler's checks and change
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
- Fire Extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
These tips are provided compliments of: Ready.gov
Safe Winter Driving Tips
Slow Down: Driving too fast on wintry roads is the leading cause of crashes.- Travel at a safe distance of at least 3 car lengths, leaving plenty of room to stop.
- Do not crowd slow moving maintenance and emergency vehicles.
- Do not use cruise control while driving in a storm.
- Do not overestimate the capabilities of your four-wheel drive vehicle.
- Clear all snow and ice from the vehicle prior to travel.
- Be aware of black ice on what appears to be bare pavement.
PLEASE, SLOW DOWN AND BUCKLE UP!
WINTER TRAVEL
The State of Vermont's "Safe Roads at Safe Speeds" policy divides Vermont's state highway into three levels of service.
Suggested maximum driving speed during a winter storm:
Interstate system: 45 MPH
US/State Highways: 40 MPH
Rural or lightly traveled state highways: 35 MPH
These speed limits are "suggested" only. Always exercise caution and drive according to road and weather conditions.
THE 511 TRAVEL INFORMATION SYSTEM
Check 511 before you take to the road for up-to-the-minute travel information. Find out about road conditions, weather, construction, crashes or any major delays before trip. Just dial 511 and follow the simple, voice activated prompts, or you can log on to www.511vt.com
511 is Easy to Use
Dial 511 or go to www.511vt.com
Available 24 hours a day / seven days a week.
Voice recognition
Winter roads conditions
Road construction, maintenance and incident information
Covers all interstate and most major routes
Normal airtime and roaming charges apply to wireless callers
BE PREPARED - PACK A WINTER CAR KIT
- Booster Cables
- Two or more blankets
- Candles & Matches
- Snow Shovel and scraper
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Extra clothing: cap, mittens, parka, and overshoes or boots in case you have to walk for help.
- High calorie, non-perishable food like candy and canned nuts
- Sand or strips of carpet for traction
- Extra windshield washer fluid and antifreeze
- Flares or reflectors
PROPERLY PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE FOR WINTER DRIVING
- Winter tires
- Wipers and washer fluid
- Heaters and defrosters
- Properly adjusted brakes
- Ensure battery and charging system operate properly
- Carry tire chains for large trucks
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Keep your gas tank 2/3 full to prevent the fuel line from freezing
- Whenever possible, plan your trip during daylight hours
- Check weather and road conditions before you leave
- Remove ice and snow from windows, license plates and lights, and be sure to clear snow from the vehicle's hood, roof and trunk area.
These tips are provided by: The Vermont Department of Public Safety.
Compliments of: www.dps.state.vt.us