Over the last few weeks, we have seen ice, rain, and snow storms devastate many areas of the United States; preparation is one of the best ways to combat winter weather problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers free winter weather and safety updates at http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/. This site contains information regarding emergency supply lists, winter storm preparation, indoor and outdoor safety, and loss of power preparation.

This week, winter weather warnings and advisories were posted due to a cold front that stretched from Texas to New Hampshire. According to CNN, roads were treacherous and more than a half-million homes and businesses lost power from the Plains into parts of the Northeast due to ice and freezing rain. To prevent injuries from winter weather, the CDC suggests equipping your car with the following emergency supplies:

• Cell phone; portable charger and extra batteries
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper
• Battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)
• Flashlight (and extra batteries)
• Water
• Snack food
• Extra hats, coats, mittens
• Blankets
• Chains or rope
• Tire chains
• Canned compressed air with sealant (emergency tire repair)
• Road salt and sand
• Booster cables
• Emergency flares
• Bright colored flag; help signs
• First aid kit
• Tool kit
• Road maps
• Compass
• Waterproof matches and a can (to melt snow for water)
• Paper towels