ST. LOUIS – As the St. Louis region gears up for a powerful winter storm system on Sunday, with widespread snow and ice impacts anticipated, now is the time to get ready for whatever comes our way.
Up to 10 inches of snow are possible for some areas of Missouri and Illinois north of St. Louis, while some people south of St. Louis could see up to a half inch of ice and several inches of snow through Monday.
What do you need to stay prepared in your home and car? The National Weather Service offers the following checklists….
Home – Winter Preparedness Checklist
Warm clothing (Coats, hats, mittens, boots)
Extra blankets
Select foods (including non-perishables) to last for 2-3 days
Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day)
Specialty items (Medicine, infant formula)
Flahslights (and extra batteries)
First aid kit (personal medications and bandages)
Portable radio
Cell phone and charger (fully charged if possible)
Firewood
Matches
Shovel/snowblower
Car – Winterization Checklist
Prepare winter survival kit
Full tank of gas
Check engine fluid levels
Test battery
Test lights/headlights
Inspect tire tread
Install or have snow tires handy
Use deicing washer fluid
Switch to synthetic oil
Car – Winter Survival Kit Checklist
Warm clothing (Coats, hats, mittens, boots)
Extra blankets
Non-perishable foods
Bottled water
Jumper cables
Cell phone and charger
Flashlights (and extra batteries)
First aid kit
Ice Scrapper
Snow shovel
Sand/kitty litter
Flares/triangles (and other bright objects)
Home – Winterization Checklist
Additionally, home improvement company Lowe’s offers the following checklist on winterizing your home…
Ensure a working heating system and thermostat
Protect pipes with tubular pipe wraps, rolled pipe wraps or insulation fittings
Weather strip your doors (to prevent cold air from entering)
Let pipes drip for prolonged periods of freezing
Replace your furnace with a clean filter
Use caulk around windows
Use foam outlet protectors
Clear leaves from gutters and roofs
Bring plants and some outdoor equipment inside