1. Store drinking water, first aid kit, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get them easily.

2. Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair, with a winter emergency kit.

3. Know how to turn off gas, electric power and water before evacuating.

4. Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors and employees.

5. Keep plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, sandbags and hand tools on hand and accessible.

6. Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Install storm shutters, doors and window gutters; repair roof leaks; and check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusual weight from the accumulation of snow -- or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

7. If you have to go outside for any reason, dress for the season and expected conditions: For cold weather, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.

8. Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.

9. Do not try to walk across running water more than 6 inches deep; even 6 inches of water can sweep you off your feet.

10. Do not drive into flooded areas.

11. During a winter storm, conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your house cooler than normal.

12. If using kerosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid build-up of toxic fumes.

13. Avoid travel if possible during storms. If you must travel, do so during the daylight. Don't travel alone. Stay on main roads and keep others informed of your schedule.

14. Beware of overexertion and exhaustion. Shoveling snow in extremem cold causes major attacks. Set your priorities and pace yourself after any disaster that leaves you with a lot of clean up. The natural tendency is to do too much too soon.

FEMA. Winter Preparedness Safety Tips. www.fema.gov. Last updated 11-Feb-2003.