BE PREPARED: Have a Plan in Place for Winter Emergencies
The Capital Region has already experienced a healthy dose of winter weather this season, with a record-setting snowfall just a few weeks ago, followed by significant rain events and the attendant flooding. Future power outages are certainly in the forecast in the weeks ahead, following storms of ice and snow. However, by taking a few basic precautions, you can keep an uncomfortable experience from becoming a lifethreatening one.
Emergency Generators: ONLY run these outside, away from windows. Don’t refill them when they’re running or hot. If you want to install it on your electric system, only use a licensed electrician and notify the power company.
Key Documents: Keep copies in three places: a grab-and-go bag, safe deposit box and at an online backup site or with friend or family member at a different location. Keep a supply of cash on hand, as ATMS may not work if the power is out.
Water: Have a supply of one gallon per person per day. If it looks like power and water supplies may be cut off or contaminated, fill up the bathtub before trouble hits.
Shelter and Food: Prepare for isolation in your home; make sure you have adequate supplies. You can rely on perishables for perhaps two days and fruits and veggies for up to a week. After that, you’ll likely need packaged goods in jars and cans, and items like energy bars and powdered milk.
Transportation and Evacuation:
Keep your vehicle fully gassed up and packed with a winter emergency kit, if leaving your home becomes a necessity. Have a route planned in advance.
Pets: Have food and medicine for them; have current photos in case they are lost. Identify in advance a place to board your pet, as many shelters can’t accept them.
Medicines: Always have at least a one week’s supply and have a list of all your medicines tucked away in your wallet. Have a first aid kit including bandages, a thermometer and over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin, antibiotics and anti-diarrhea products.
Gear: It is good to have on hand: a battery- or crank-operated radio; a fire extinguisher; matches and candles; heavy gloves; clean-up supplies; flashlights and batteries; and a charged cell phone.
Safet y: Know how to turn off your water, electricity and gas supplies. Have the gas reconnected ONLY by the utility company.
Emergency contacts: Have a wallet card with family contact info. Designate a relative or friend at least 50 miles away to coordinate if the family becomes separated.
St. Peter’s Health Partners participates with other local health care providers, law enforcement and emergency management offices in a Healthcare Emergency Operations Coordinating Council (HEOCC) to plan for and respond to area-wide disasters. For more information on preparing for emergencies, as well as how to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit https://www.ready.gov/
If you or a member of your family needs a physician or information about other St. Peter’s ser vices call the St. Peter’s Physician Referral & Information Line at 518-525-2CARE (518-525-2227).