For your home: 

·       Make sure outside pipes are wrapped up. Get precise measurements of length and diameter (thickness) of each pipe that is exposed outdoors. Then, at a building supply store, choose heat tape or insulating sleeves that will fit your pipes.  Plug the heat tape into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlet especially made for outdoor use. These are generally found where your water supply comes in.  Don’t use electrical extension cables to plug in your heat tape. Make sure insulating sleeves are wrapped in waterproof material. 

·       When temperatures go below freezing, open any cabinets beneath sinks in your home or apartment and run water at a steady trickle from all faucets. 

·       Inspect your chimney before using your fireplace. 

·       Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace weak or old batteries. 

·       Caulk and weather strip drafty doors and windows. 

·       Stock up with staple foods like milk, bread, sandwich meat, peanut butter. Be aware of the possibility of power outages by buying foods that can be consumed without being refrigerated or cooked. 

·       If it’s going to be windy, make sure outdoor objects like trash cans, grills or light furniture are secured. 

·       Make sure the air filter to your central heating system is up-to-date. These should be replaced every two months or even sooner if the filter looks dirty upon inspection. 

·       Don’t use space heaters that are in disrepair. Don’t place them within three feet of curtains, bedding, newspaper or any other easily ignited materials.  Don’t use your kitchen stove to heat the house. 

·       Make a plan for how to escape the house in case of fire or other damage and agree on a meeting place for family members afterward. Make sure kids know what to do and how to contact you in case of an emergency at school or at home. 

For your pets and plants: 

·       Make sure outdoor pets have a warm shelter and soft bedding.  Consider bringing them indoors and, if necessary, placing them in a crate with good bedding in which to wait out the cold. Be sure they have access to liquid water and sufficient food. 

·       Limit the time indoor pets are outdoors and dress them in sweaters. Be especially vigilant about possible frostbite on ears and paws. 

·       Be sure livestock has access to liquid water and shelter. During warmer parts of days inspect members of your herd for any signs of illness or injury. 

·       Bring plants indoors if you can, depending on their hardiness in cold weather. Avoid watering them during a freeze. Use coverings for crops that need protection. 

For your cars: 

·       Be aware of the possibility of your car stalling during a winter trip or of the need to offer assistance to someone else. Bring blankets, flashlights, first-aid kit, water and snacks, a battery for charging your phone, an extra coat, mittens, hats and gloves, a snow shovel, ice scraper and extra all-weather windshield washing fluid. 

·       Bring flares in case you end up in an isolated place and need to signal where you are. 

·       Make sure your spare tire is inflated and ready for use. Make sure your jack and tire iron are present and in working order. Be sure you have good jumper cables. 

·       Include any medications you depend on in your First Aid kit. 

·       Make sure you have at least a half tank of gas, so you can run your heater if stranded. 

·       Keep some cat litter in the trunk, in case you get stuck and need the traction. 

For you: 

·       Make sure any medications you need are well-stocked. Get refills ahead of the time they run out if that is permitted. Tell your pharmacist of your intentions to prepare for winter weather. 

·       Don’t be concerned about overdressing for the outside temperature. It’s best to err on the side of being too warm than too cold. 

·       Be aware of how your extremities are doing.  Make sure they are sufficiently covered during cold temperatures, especially if you are diabetic. 

·       Stock up on flashlights, batteries and candles in case of a power outage. Charge all devices and purchase extra energy storage if you can. 

·       Keep an emergency weather radio on hand. Make sure it is charged or has new batteries. 

·       In the event you encounter downed power lines, stay away from them and phone your utility office to make a report. 

·       If you are in Hempstead County, register for Code Red, to be informed of emergency conditions. 

·       Check local media like SWARK.Today for reports of school or workplace closings. 

·       Use 911 only in the event of a true emergency in which people are endangered or there may be damage to utilities. 

Source: The National Weather Service