Helpful site provides local cold-weather checklists

“Take Winter By Storm” originated as a one-day event, but the program has expanded to become a public-private collaboration that promotes public awareness and safety across Washington’s largest counties.

Its sole goal is to help citizens and businesses stay safe and get prepared if bad weather strikes. Sponsors recommend three simple steps for getting prepared:

• Create an emergency preparedness/disaster kit with at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water for your home and office. Kits prepared for vehicle road travel and winter weather evacuation go-kits are also advised.
• Make a plan and practice the plan with your family and those who depend on you.
• Stay informed and check weather forecasts so you can minimize risks and stay prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.

The primary tool for raising awareness and promoting preparedness is a website that is designed as a one-stop resource. Along with safety tips and links to weather-related information, the site has helpful tips pertaining to power outages, heavy rains and flooding, freezing temperatures, roads and transit during winter weather, and assistance agencies.

Among the resources residents can find at TakeWinterByStorm.org are a family communication plan, a flood preparedness checklist and templates for emergency contact cards. Several checklists in multiple languages may be downloaded. These lists include: Emergency Preparedness Checklist, Home Maintenance Checklist, Winter Weather Family Plan Checklist, Winter Weather Home Inventory Checklist, and Winter Weather Preparedness Shopping Checklist.