Are You Prepared For Another Halloween Mega Storm To Hit The Duluth Area?

We have all seen the stories of how people get trapped in their cars, and you wonder, why didn't have a car emergency kit, it was blizzard conditions. With a storm like the one that hit the area, it came fast and dropped a lot of snow quickly.

The CDC says to look at the basics right now. Do you have food ready? Canned food is good to have or dry food. Even if water is shut down you can melt snow. Keep bottled water in the house, you may want to purchase gallon jugs of water, you may need it to cook. Maybe even fill some with tap water.

Next, make sure everything in your home is working. A smoke detector is key, make sure the battery is fresh. Make sure your first aid kit is up to date.

Some other things to check. What if your power goes out. Do you have a way to keep the heat on or a way to have a fire or some other way to keep the house warm so your pipes don't freeze? A generator is a great way to keep everything running.

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Next is your car. If you can get out or need to get out, do you have a snow emergency kit? The CDC recommends having this ready:

• Cell phone, portable charger
• Hats, coats, mittens, and blankets
• Windshield scraper
• Shovel (you can buy a small one to store in your trunk
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Water and snack food
• First aid kit with any necessary medications and a pocket knife
• Tire chains
• Canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
• Cat litter or sand to help tires get traction, or road salt to melt ice
• Jumper Cables
• Hazard or other reflectors
• Bright colored distress flag or help signs, and/or emergency flares
• Waterproof matches and a can to melt snow for water

Know the difference between Watch and Warning The CDC explains that a winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area. A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area. A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blind wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected.

If you get a watch, the CDC says listen to the radio or watch TV and keep up to date on the latest of the storm. If a warning is issued, stay inside and don't travel unless you have to. Keep a radio near you for updates. Also, you can use a weather app on your phone, but keep it plugged in so you don't end up with a dead battery should the power fail.