Oho, the flakes are falling ever so slightly. We’re told that two cold fronts are meeting in Whatcom County and likely to bring an inch or so of snow on this Friday, December 11, 2009. Let’s hope the real stuff waits until we are tucked away safely in our homes!

Yes, winter is here and storms are common to the Pacific Northwest. Families should be prepared for emergencies and possible power outages. A Winter Preparation Checklist can be found on the website: www.takewinterbystorm.org .

 Suggestions made on that site include the following:

• Water, one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days for drinking and sanitation.
• Food, at least a 3-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 (Crank flashlights can also be bought for kit)
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air; plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, 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
• Cell phone with chargers (car charger recommended in the event of power outages)

It is also wise to have a modified kit in your car while traveling should you get stranded or caught in a storm. Include blankets and flares.

Identify an out-of-town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance call than to call across town in an emergency. The out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. Make sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone or some means to call the emergency contact.

Have an ICE (In Case of Emergency) list in your cell phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.