Be Prepared for Emergencies

During extreme weather, NCW libraries operate as heating and cooling shelters. Find your local library and their hours.

Prepare Your Home

Winterize your home:

  • Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
  • Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
  • Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.

 Check your heating systems:

  • Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.
  • Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
  • Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year.
  • Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
  • Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies.
  • Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check batteries when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.
    • Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

Prepare Your Car

Car Maintenance: 

  • Have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends.
  • Have the radiator system serviced, or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add antifreeze, as needed.
  • Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
  • Replace any worn tires, and check the air pressure in the tires.

You should keep the following items in your car in case of emergencies:

  • Blankets
  • First aid kit
  • Waterproof matches
  • Windshield scraper
  • Booster cables
  • Tool kit
  • Paper towels
  • Bag of sand (to pour on ice or snow for added traction)
  • Tire chains
  • Collapsible shovel
  • Container of water and high-calorie canned or dried foods
  • Flashlight and extra batteries

Prepare Your Emergency Kit

Items to include in your winter emergency kit:

  • Nonperishable foods. You should have enough food to last 3 days.
  • Bottled water. You should have at least 1 gallon of water per person per day with enough to last a few days.
  • Any medicines your family may need. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Keep over the counter medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives in your survival kit.
  • Consider an alternate way to heat your home during a power failure.
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Matches
  • Multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit and instruction manual
  • Flashlight or battery-powered lantern
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Battery-powered clock or watch
  • Extra batteries
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Snow shovel
  • Rock salt
  • Personal items such as diapers, hearing aid batteries, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, and pet food.