Prepare for winter storms/extreme cold

(KRQE) - FEMA has tips on how to prepare your home and your family for severe winter weather.

Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit:

• Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
• Sand to improve traction
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

Prepare Your Home & Family

• Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

Prepare Your Car

• Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

1. Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
2. Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
3. Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
4. Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes andrepair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
5. Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
6. Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
7. Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
8. Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
9. Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
10. Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.

• Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
• Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
• Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:

1. a shovel
2. windshield scraper and small broom
3. flashlight
4. battery powered radio
5. extra batteries
6. water
7. snack food
8. matches
9. extra hats, socks and mittens
10. First aid kit with pocket knife
11. Necessary medications
12. blanket(s)
13. tow chain or rope
14. road salt and sand
15. booster cables
16. emergency flares
17. fluorescent distress flag

Dress for the Weather

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Wear a hat.

Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

Don't Forget Pets

As an extremely cold weather system moves into New Mexico, the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management wants to pass on some tips for pets in extreme cold, courtesy of the ASPCA. Bring your pets inside at night.

• Cats can freeze easily in extreme cold and become disoriented and lost, so don’t leave kitty outside.
• Cats have a tendency to crawl under the hood of a car when the engine is warm, so before you start your vehicle, bang loudly on the hood to avoid injury to a wandering cat.
• Keep your dog on a leash when walking on snow or ice, and never let them off leash during a rain or snow storm. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other time of year, so make sure your dog is tagged and or micro-chipped. Lost animals can ingest salt, chemicals and deadly anti-freeze.
• Thoroughly dry your pet’s belly, feet and legs when you bring them in from the wet. Snow melt, if not removed may cause bleeding in the paws.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in the winter, and if you have a short haired breed, consider a sweater.
• Never leave your cat or dog alone in a cold car. This can act as a refrigerator by trapping the cold air and a pet could freeze to death.
• Make sure your furry companion has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is recommended.

For more information go to www.ready.gov or the ASPCA website. For real time information during weather events and emergencies follow the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nmdhsem .