Prepare Your Home for Winter This Fall

         We've been having a few warm days here and there, but I think its safe to say that fall is upon us. That means its time to do a bit of maintenance on the house before it gets too cold and snowy. I know I'd rather work in a sweatshirt than a big overcoat. Here are a few things you can do to make sure that you protect your property and stay warm and dry during the winter:

• Seal the cracks: Fill in cracks in your driveway now. This will keep your snow shovel sliding smoothly and extend the life of your driveway.

• Declutter your gutter: Clean all the leaf, stick and other debris out of the gutters. It will keep the water (snow melt) running away from your house instead of into it.

• Make sure its tip top: Inspect your roof to make sure that no shingles or metal sheeting is pulled up or missing. If it is, make sure to fix it as soon as possible. 

• Protect your pots: Put any terracotta pots you have inside. Freezing temperatures and water absorption can crack them.

• Replace that filter: Replace the filter on your furnace. The furnace will keep you warmer and it won't have to work so hard.

• Time for a change: Test and replace batteries in your smoke alarms. 

• Fireside checkup:  Check your fireplace for soot and creosote build up and inspect your wood heater before you used them this winter.

• Check for drafts: If you find cracks around your windows, seal them with caulk to prevent drafts and keep you toasty warm in the winter.

Emergency Preparedness Part 2

Create an emergency preparedness kit:

• Three gallons of water for each person (one gallon per day)
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Infant formula and diapers, if you have an infant
•  Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

Clothing and Bedding:

If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. Rethink your clothing and bedding supplies to account for growing children and other family changes. One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person, including:

• A jacket or coat
• Long pants
• A long sleeve shirt
• Sturdy shoes
• A hat and gloves
• A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

Family Supply List (continued)

Below are some other items for your family to consider adding to its supply kit. Some of these items, especially those marked with a * can be dangerous, so please have an adult collect these supplies.

• Emergency reference materials such as a first aid book or a print out of the information on www.ready.gov
• Rain gear
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
• Cash or traveler's checks, change
• Paper towels
• Fire Extinguisher
• Tent
• Compass
• Matches in a waterproof container*
• Signal flare*
• Paper, pencil
• Personal hygiene items including feminine supplies
• Disinfectant*
• Household chlorine bleach* - You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to treat water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Medicine dropper
• Important Family Documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

Make a family disaster plan:

•         Where will you meet if a disaster occurs?
•         Who will be responsible for getting the emergency kit?
•          What can you do to protect your property when warned about a disaster?

Tell your friends about it:

•          Encourage them to create a an emergency preparedness kit and a disaster plan
•          Offer to help them.You can have fun with friends and family while making sure that they'll be ready in case of an emergency

Information is courtesy of ready.gov

National Preparedness Month

September in National Preparedness Month

What can you do to prepare yourself?

 "Washington County Tennessee Citizens Will Be Able To Attend A Class To Educate Them About Disaster Preparedness For Hazards That May Impact Their Area. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Is Hosting A Community Emergency Response Team, Or Cert Class. The Classes Will Be Held Each Tuesday And Thursday At The Sheriff’s Office Beginning On October 7th From Six P.M. To Nine P.M. To Sign Up For The Class, Call 423-788-1414." -Holston Valley Broadcasting Corporation

Here is the link to an extensive preparedness guide from the Washington County-Johnson City Emergency Management Agency.

We will be posting more content on preparedness next week.