Fall into Preparedness: 5 Things to do Before Winter Arrives

As we move further into fall, we are reminded that winter and all that it brings—icy roads, power outages, and frigid temperatures—are not too far away! Being prepared for all of winter’s nuisances can make enjoying the beauty it brings much more joyful. Follow these five easy steps to keep you and your family safe all season long!

1. Build (or refresh) your emergency kit to include supplies that last several days 🎒

• Food and water
• Medications
• Batteries, first aid supplies, and phone or device chargers
• Blankets and an extra set (or two) of clothing
• Copies of any important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
• Don’t forget supplies for pets, too!

2. Prepare your home for colder weather 🏠

• Have your furnace serviced by a certified provider
• Clean your fireplaces and chimneys
• Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Clear gutters of leaves and yard waste to prevent ice dams

3. Winterize your car 🚗

• Have a bag of kitty litter or sand in your car in case you get stuck in snow
• Make sure to have an ice scraper, extra blankets, snacks, water, a first aid kit, and jumper cables
• Check your anti-freeze fluid levels, tires, and windshield wipers

4. Plan for your family ✔️

• Sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts and local emergency alerts from Dane County Emergency Management
• Make an evacuation plan to identify how you’ll leave and where you’ll go
• Determine an emergency meeting place, if you are not together when an emergency occurs
• Fill out and print and/or email this emergency communications plan template to all family members

5. Protect your health and the health of your family 💉

• Stay up to date with all your vaccinations, including seasonal flu and COVID vaccines
• Wash hands often and stay home if you’re sick to prevent the spread of illness
• If you use a life-sustaining medical device, register it with MG&E and make sure you have a plan if the power goes out
• If you use medications that need to be refrigerated, have a plan to keep them at or below the temperature they require
• And don’t forget mental health—seasonal depression is real and knowing where to get support is a great way to be prepared
• Check in regularly with loved ones, especially older adults or those who live alone, and encourage them to be winter prepared as well

Preparing now for winter weather may seem premature or tedious. But with a bit of planning, you’re not only protecting yourself and your family, but creating a safer, healthier community for everyone.