ncy supply of food and water, as well as emergency
cooking equipment such as a camp stove. Some of this food should be of
the type that does not require refrigeration or cooking.
--Make sure you have a battery-powered radio and extra batteries on
hand, so that if your electric power is cut off you could still hear
weather forecasts, information and advice broadcast by local
authorities. Also, flashlights or lanterns would be needed.
--Consult page 72 of this handbook for other supplies and equipment that
you may need if isolated at home. Be sure to keep on hand the simple
tools and equipment needed to fight a fire. Also, be certain that all
family members know how to take precautions that would prevent fire at
such a time, when the help of the fire department may not be available.
* TRAVEL ONLY IF NECESSARY. Avoid all unnecessary trips. If you must
travel, use public transportation if possible. However, if you are
forced to use your automobile for a trip of any distance, take these
precautions:
--Make sure your car is in good operating condition, properly serviced,
and equipped with chains or snow tires.
--Take another person with you if possible.
--Make sure someone knows where you are going, your approximate
schedule, and your estimated time of arrival at your destination.
--Have emergency "winter storm supplies" in the car, such as a container
of sand, shovel, windshield scraper, tow chain or rope, extra gasoline,
and a flashlight. It also is good to have with you heavy gloves or
mittens, overshoes, extra woolen socks, and winter headgear to cover
your head and face.
--Travel by daylight and use major highways if you can. Keep the car
radio turned on for weather information and advice.
--Drive with all possible caution. Don't try to save time by travelling
faster than road and weather conditions permit.
--Don't be daring or foolhardy. Stop, turn back, or seek help if
conditions threaten that may test your ability or endurance, rather than
risk being stalled, lost or isolated. If you are caught in a _blizzard_,
seek refuge immediately.
* KEEP CALM IF YOU GET IN TROUBLE. If your car breaks down during a
storm, or if you become stalled or lost, don't panic. Think the problem
through, decide what's the safest and best thing to do, and then do it
slowly and carefully. If you are on a well-traveled road, show a trouble
signal. Set your directional lights to flashing, raise the hood of your
car, or h
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