The coldest arctic blast of air this year is forecast for Long Island. Dangerous sub-zero wind chill advisories are in effect until 6 P.M. causing hazardous black ice on roadways and potential power outages in this polar vortex. Get ahead of the storm with Smithtown Today’s arctic blast survival guide.
Replace batteries on all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Insulate outdoor spigots, exposed pipes and sprinkler system by wrapping them in bubble wrap and seal with heavy duty duct tape. Remove all outdoor hoses and store in a garage as precautionary measure.
Know where the main water valve is located in the event of a pipe burst. You will need to shut the water down in a hurry.
Have plenty of candles and flashlights with new batteries available in case you lose power.
If you have a fireplace, make sure the chimney has been cleaned recently. Store wood and matches in a dry place close to the fireplace so it is nearby if you lose power.
Store snow shovels, windshield scraper and rock salt somewhere easy to get to. If you have a snow blower, make sure it is gassed up and working properly.
If your water heater is located in a cold area of the home like the garage or an unfinished basement with poor insulation, wrap a moving blanket around it to prevent cold showers.
Stock up on plenty of bottled water, extra food for your pets, dry non-perishable food, LED lights and working flashlights.
Store emergency first aid kits with extra blankets, socks and knits/thermals somewhere easy to get to in the event of a power outage.
Freeze plenty of ice packs and have a cooler ready to move perishables from the refrigerator into. The one benefit of an arctic blast is storing a cooler outdoors to help preserve groceries.
Keep an extra stash of regular prescriptions handy or refill any that might run out in the weeks after a bad storm. It’s also a good rule of thumb to keep emergency Aspirin on hand if an elderly relative is living with you.
If you have outdoor pets, find a way to keep them indoors during an arctic blast. It would be inhumane to force them to survive in these conditions. If you do not have the space, call family or friends and ask them to watch over your furry friend.
Walking the dog in the snow can cause painful salt burn on a dogs paw pads. It can also poison your pup if he starts licking the burning paw. If your buddy is like mine, booties are not an option. Try adding a small layer of Mushers Secret Paw Wax on the pads of your dogs feet prior to walking him. Mushers is used on sleigh dogs in alaska and has saved my pitbull from a world of pain in previous winters. You can easily find it at any Pet Supply Chain, this time of year, priced between $11-$18. One jar will get you through a winter or two.
If your home tends to be a little drafty, grab a bale of hay from a local farm like BB & GG and scatter it along the foundation of your home. This will not only keep the draft out, but may prevent water leaking into the home as well.
Finally, do your civic duty and call elderly neighbors to offer picking up a few items for them while at the market stocking up for your family. Check in on them sporadically through the storm as well. You never know… in bad weather conditions, a little good karma may help keep your family safe!