How to prepare for the blizzard of 2015

Caitlin Dickson
·Reporter
A package of mini bagels sits on a sparse shelf of bread items at a grocery store in Port Washington, New York January 26, 2015. Winter Storm Juno has brought a blizzard warning for New York and much of the North East United States. (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton)

The Northeast is bracing for what some predict may be a historic blizzard, with up to two feet of snow expected from Massachusetts to New Jersey. As news reporters, police officers and city workers take to the streets, those in the eye of the storm would be wise to heed the warnings and prepare for a variety of scenarios.

At home
The best place to be during a blizzard is at home. So hit the grocery store if you haven’t already, and make sure to grab a roll of toilet paper or two — if there is any left — along with enough nonperishable food to last you a few days.

Though the storm hype is easy to dismiss, the worst case scenario could leave you needing much more than three days worth of food and a couple of bottles of wine to keep you warm. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends not only preparing to be stuck inside, but to be stuck inside without power, heat or even water.

Stock up on water — at least a gallon per person per day, for at least three days — for drinking as well as food prep and cleaning. Make sure you have extra batteries for your flashlights and radio (and that you have a flashlight and radio), that your cell phone is fully charged, and that any prescription or over-the-counter medications are refilled.

Also, be smart about staying warm. Sweaters, hats, mittens and other winter clothing should already be on hand, but sleeping bags and extra blankets might also come in handy. And no matter how cold it gets, do not use your gas stove for warmth or bring a grill, camp stove, or charcoal-burning barbecue inside. All of these things produce deadly carbon monoxide fumes. If you use them outside, keep them at least 20 feet from all windows, doors and vents.

On the road
Connecticut has already issued a statewide travel ban that will take effect at 9 p.m., and New York is considering closing the New York State Thruway, Long Island Expressway and other highways on Monday night. Still, if you absolutely must be on the road when the storm sets in, at least be prepared for the good chance that you may get stuck in the snow for a very long time.

Be sure to load your car with the emergency essentials including a flashlight and extra batteries, a portable cellphone charger, pocket warmers, water, jumper cables, ropes, matches, dry or packaged foods, a shovel, ice scraper and a bag of sand.

Dress warmly, layer sweaters under your jacket, have hats and gloves on hand as well as a blanket or, even better, a Mylar insulation sheet. Wear snow boots and bring extra socks, in case you have to get out and push your car or walk to shelter.

Traveling
Though it might seem like the perfect time to get out of town, the coming storm is expected to halt travel, with hundreds of flights out of New York’s JFK and LaGuardia airports already preemptively cancelled. If you have a trip planned, call your airline to confirm your flight’s status before you get stuck at the airport.

As of midday Monday, Amtrak trains were still running on their normal schedule, as were commuter rails into New York City. Commuters should continue to check the websites for their train lines before leaving work Monday, as should city dwellers. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has already warned that the subways might also shut down before rush hour.

Don't forget your pets
Pet owners, don’t forget to factor your furry family members into your storm prep. Make sure to buy enough food and water to feed and hydrate them as well as the human members of your household. Keep your pets inside with you and consider that if you’re cold, they probably are too. When your dog eventually does have to go out, the ASPCA advises dressing it in a coat or sweater, keeping it on the leash so it doesn’t slip on the ice or get lost in the snow, and cleaning its paws once returning indoors. Ice and salt hurt a dog’s feet, and it could get sick from licking its paws and ingesting salt, antifreeze or other ice-melting chemicals usually found on the street in the winter.

In case of emergency
Take note of nearby shelters and warming centers, should you find yourself stranded outside when the blizzard hits. Lists of daytime warming centers and overnight shelters can be found on the New York State Office of Emergency Management website.

CLICK IMAGE for slideshow: Bob Kist of Mars, Pa. pushes his shopping cart of groceries to his car in the snowy store parking lot on Monday, Jan. 26, 2015 in Cranberry, Butler County, Pa. The Philadelphia-to-Boston corridor of more than 35 million people began shutting down and bundling up Monday against a potentially history-making storm that could unload a paralyzing 1 to 3 feet of snow. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)