Preparing for Winter Weather

For those who drive to or keep a car on campus, being prepared for winter weather is essential.

With the first winter weather episode underway, the Office of Emergency Preparedness advises everyone in the Tech community to prepare for winter weather at home and in their vehicles.

A few things to consider:

In the Car

Maintain Your Car

• Check and monitor all systems
• Make sure fluids are topped off, including antifreeze, brake fluid, and wiper fluid
• Oil – appropriate heavier gauge
• Battery, brakes, exhaust system, heater/defroster, lights, thermostat, wipers
• Tires – adequate treads
• Keep basic tools in car

Prepare a Car-Ready Kit

• Food and water
• Medicine
• Blankets and warm clothes, including hat and gloves
• Phone charger
• Sturdy shoes
• Small shovel
• Ice scraper
• Cat litter, sand, or ice melt
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered radio
• Extra batteries
• Tow rope or chain
• Emergency flare/distress flag
• First-aid kit with pocketknife

At Home

Maintain Your Home

• Insulate pipes and let water drip
• Bring plants and pets indoors
• Know how to turn off water valves
• Know how to use electrical panel
• Have furnace cleaned and maintained (change filters regularly)
• Remove dead tree branches
• Clean gutters
• Have chimneys inspected
• Install storm windows or place plastic on inside of windows
• Repair roof leaks
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Prepare a Home-Ready Kit

• Rock salt or ice melt
• Sand or non-clumping cat litter
• Wood for fireplace or woodburning stove
• Snow shovel
• Alternate cooking source (such as a butane stove)
• NOAA weather radio (as well as a weather radio cellphone app)
• Non-perishable foods
• Medicine
• Baby supplies, if applicable
• Drinking water
• Flashlights
• Sleeping bag
• Extra batteries
• Fire extinguisher