Be Prepared For The Snow, At Home And In Your Car

Brick and Ocean County are under a blizzard watch with the storm coming our way. Forecasters are predicting 8 to 15 inches of snow for the area beginning Monday afternoon.

A blizzard watch means there is a potential for blowing snow with strong winds and extremely poor visibility, including whiteout conditions, making travel very dangerous.

The best move, of course, is to stay off the roads when the storm is raging. But if you are forced to be out, the Centers for Disease Control suggests you make sure you are prepared in case you get stuck out in the storm in your car.

Your supplies should include windshield scraper (if you don’t already have one), a flashlight with extra batteries, a portable charger for your cell phone, water, snack food, extra hats, coats, mittens, a blanket and a first aid kit. If you’re traveling somewhere you’re unfamiliar with, bring a road map (in case your GPS stops working).

The American Red Cross adds the following:

• Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Water — at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
• Food — at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery
• Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members
• Ample alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood- or coal-burning stoves

For more tips, visit the CDC website.