Cold Weather Preparedness for the Fall and Winter of 2020-21

As winter approaches now is a good time to plan and prepare for the cold weather ahead.  

This year across the country we are now facing the possibility of twin storms of the flu and an anticipated surge in Covid-19 cases.  We urge residents as they update their disaster kits to cope with the possibility of winter emergencies to consider preparing early for the onslaught of a possible Covid and flu surge.

As we are already seeing increasing Covid numbers across the country this is a good time to stock up on and update the following types of items:

• Update your disaster preparedness kit
• Longer lasting foods and snacks, including pet supplies
• Household cleaning products and protection
• Items for your medicine cabinet
• Things to do while home bound

Your basic disaster supplies kit

A winter storm can last a few hours or several days; knock out heat, power, and communication services; and place older adults, young children, and sick individuals at greater risk.  The best time to prepare is now, before the actual need arises.   The United States Department of Homeland Security at their ready.gov portal recommends that you prepare emergency kits for your home, work and your car.  Their Build a Kit page is filled with helpful lists of items to include.  The kit has also been updated with the latest CDC recommendations for pandemic supplies including, but not limited to, masks, soap, hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes to disinfect surfaces. 

Food and Supplies

Protecting yourself might once again involve limiting your trips to stores and stocking up on foods and supplies.  It is important to have a two-week supply of food on hand in case you need to quarantine. Select foods that are nonperishable and easy to prepare.  These include items like:

• Canned soups and beans, legumes and fish
• Nut butters
• Hearty staples such as whole-grain and bean pastas, oats and grains
• Freeze milk or purchase shelf-stable milks
• High-fiber cereals and protein bars
• Canned and frozen vegetables and fruits
• Jarred or canned sauces
• Snacks such as dried fruits and nuts
• Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day
• Coffee grounds
• Meats, hard cheeses and breads can all be frozen
• Baking supplies
• Extra garbage bags
• Pet food and litter supplies
• Paper products such as paper towels and toilet paper.

Household cleaning and protection

• Soap and hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Wipes and disinfectant - for frequently touched surfaces like kitchen counters and doorknobs.
• You may also want latex gloves if you have sick housemates.
• Face masks are critical for the errands that you do need to run and for accepting deliveries and or if you or a housemate is sick.
• Cleaning materials – laundry, dish washing, general housecleaning

Health supplies

Check your medicine cabinet for typical cold and flu supplies:

• Cough drops and syrup for coughing symptoms
• Decongestants for congestion
• Acetaminophen and ibuprofen for pain and fevers
• Antidiarrheals
• Always keep adhesive bandages stocked for wounds
• Be sure to have a thermometer in case you develop a fever
• Denture and contact lens supplies
• Hearing aid batteries and feminine hygiene and baby supplies are necessary if applicable
• Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home

It’s also a good idea to have a print or electric copy of your health records just in case of an emergency.  This year is a good year to be sure that you get your flu shot as it is the best way of avoiding the flu and reducing the impact on our local health care system.

Things to do

Crafts and hobbies are an ideal way to help you pass the time while you’re stuck inside this winter.  Consider some of the following to keep you occupied and from going stir crazy:

• Puzzles and Games
  This is a great time to rediscover the family activity of board games, card games and puzzles. These are an excellent way to enjoy your evenings while limiting the ever-present tv screen or computer monitor that you’ve been glued to all day for work or school.  When is the last time you played Clue or Monopoly?  What about crossword puzzles? 
• Online courses/webinars
  Various groups and organizations have been offering educational webinars or online courses at little to no charge. This is a great time to take advantage of their generosity while maintaining your sanity.
• Baking / Cooking
  Make sure that you have key ingredients in case the baking bug bites this winter. There is nothing better than a freshly baked loaf of bread to go with dinner on a winter evening.  It’s also a great time to improve your cooking skills and offer the family your delicious home-cooked dinners.   
• Hobbies and crafts
  Stock up on supplies for your favorite hobbies and crafts early. You can also take the time to learn a new craft.  Do you know how to crochet or knit? What about scrapbooking?  Do you have old photos that you have lying around that you can put together in a scrapbook?
• Set up a bird feeder and enjoy watching the birds cavort outside your window.
• Plan your garden for next spring. Order seeds early and start them indoors.
• Exercise
  Don’t forget to leave some time for exercise, whether it’s a quiet walk outside or developing an exercise routine of sit-ups, push-ups, squats, etc. There are plenty of YouTube video options where you can follow along from home.   When you go out be sure follow masking and social distancing protocols for safety.  

If, as seems likely, Covid cases will be on the increase again this winter, buying supplies is going to become not only more difficult, but also riskier.  Stocking up early while supplies are available and the lines are short will help keep you and your family, and in turn, us all, safer.