Preparing Your Family for Winter Storms
Image attribute: Kostiantyn Li @leekos
Winter storms can be a magical experience with little ones… & they can also be brutal. Losing power or heat is unnerving, but adding babies & small children in the mix can make these common winter storm occurrences feel much more daunting.
Let’s go over a few ways to be ready in the case that we are caught in a less-than-ideal winter wonderland.
Readiness/Preparedness:
Being ready is the first step in preparing for emergent situations. As parents, we need to take into consideration a few extra steps to keep our families safe.
Sustenance:
Ensure you have enough food for at least 3 days available to eat without needing to be cooked if power goes out. Purchase water bottles or fill bottles/containers in your home.
If formula feeding, have enough on hand (with possibility it can’t be sterilized) or purchase ready-to-feed.
If pumping breastmilk, have a manual pump or learn hand expression techniques.
Print out CDC’s Emergency Infant Feeding information (found here), as well as any other reminders you may need.
Other Considerations:
Have enough appropriate winter clothing for each family member. Layers of loose-fitting, warm, yet lightweight clothing retain heat best.
Check diaper supply. Consider disposable diapers if you typically use cloth to avoid laundering.
Restock your emergency kit with basic first aid supplies and medications for all ages. But please, don’t hoard!
Pick up prescription medications.
Ensure pets have food & warm shelter.
Have a flashlight with extra batteries.
Charge cell phones & battery packs.
Respond (shelter-in-place at home):
Once we have recognized we are in an emergent winter weather situation (power or heat outage, home damage, etc.), then we must activate the preparedness plans we have put in place. Preparedness makes for smoother responses.
Your Home:
Open water faucets to a drip to avoid pipes bursting.
Ensure proper ventilation & maintain a 3ft distance from flammable items if using an alternative heat sources.
Reduce heat loss: Stay in one room & close off others. Stuff towels & rags at doors to reduce drafts. Close curtains or blinds on windows to minimize heat loss.
Other important home response information (including generator considerations) can be found here.
Sustenance:
Eat & drink. This helps our body generate heat on our own.
When feeding infants bottles: Ensure your hands are clean (wash or sanitize) before expressing, pumping, prepping, or washing bottles. Wash bottles with soap & water & air dry after use. Clean cups can also be used. Use only water you believe is safe to mix formula.
Breastfeed as usual. Even if food becomes scarce or parents are under extreme stress, milk production remains largely the same (letdown may be affected - try calming techniques such as a body scan or belly breathing).
Sleep:
Huddle close to family members for warmth.
For babies in emergency situations, a crib mattress, pack’n’play, bassinet, or even a cardboard box can be used with all typical sleepwear (no loose blankets). If you believe your baby is too cold, lie with them on the floor/mattress on the floor, placing baby on their back, with all excess bedding/pillows/toys/pets removed. Avoid sharing the bed/immediate sleep space with other family members. DO NOT sit on a recliner or couch.
Other Considerations:
Stay indoors as much as possible. Avoid driving.
If you must drive: Pack an emergency kit including clothing, blankets, food, water, etc. Use seatbelts & car seats as intended (without bulky coats underneath). Take main routes. If you become stranded, only turn your vehicle on for 10 mins each hour for warmth (ensuring tailpipe is clear & downwind window is slightly opened). Ensure little ones are warm by holding them/huddling close (only when parked).
Recover (after the storm):
If you are still without heat/power once the storm passes, you can text SHELTER + your 5-digit zip code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest heating shelter.
Stay informed on road & town/city water conditions.
Check in on family members & neighbors.
Once things have settled, take inventory of what did & did not work out for your family to better prepare for the next storm.
Lastly, don’t forget to get out there & enjoy the snow if you can!
Winter weather emergencies can happen, & the best we can do is to be prepared - not scared! Best of luck as your family navigates the winter ahead.
Resources:
Asterisks (*) indicate resource with downloadable information.
ReadyNH.gov Winter Storm Safety:
1. https://www.readynh.gov/disasters/winter-storms.htm
NOAA/National Weather Service Winter Safety:
2. https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-during
Infant/Child CPR & Heimlich Steps:
*3. https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/performing-cpr/child-baby-cpr
*4. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=how-to-help-a-choking-child-1-197
CDC Emergency Infant Feeding Guidance:
5. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/emergencies-infant-feeding/facts.html
*6. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm
*7. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/emergencies-infant-feeding/cleaning-feeding-items.html
9. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/emergencies-infant-feeding/cup-feeding.html
Safer Sleep in Emergencies:
*10. https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Safer-sleep-for-emergency-situations.pdf
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
