Severe Weather & Winter Safety

This year meteorologists are predicting above normal precipitation levels for most of the country, except for the Southeast, southern California, the nation’s midsection, and parts of Alaska and Hawaii, where normal or below normal precipitation amounts are expected. This winter, metorologists also expect to see above normal temperatures almost everywhere in the United States, except in the Southwest, where it will most likely be colder-than-normal this Winter. It’s still going to be wintery, of course, but it won’t be an ordinaryly frigid year. The milder than normal forecast is due to the expected arrival of a weak El Niño, which will prevent cold air masses from moving in the North. Despite a decrease in solar activity, meteorologists predict that the other factors that contribute to winter weather will keep temperatures above normal.

From California to Kalamazoo, from Portland to Portland (That can be a long distance - there are 14 cities named Portland in the US, with two being separated by 3,186 miles!) we have what you need to weather your own type of winter storms.

First and foremost remember that blackouts are the most common type of emergency. Think about it - almost any other type of emergency will cause downed power lines or other damage that will interrupt power supply to businesses and homes. Plan for this wherever you may be. Have emergency lighting and heating ready. Be prepared with battery, dynamo/crank, or solar powered communication devices (don't plan on that cell phone being your pal in a disaster - it could work great providing Wireless Emergency Alerts and Updates, or the cell towers could be down and it will be useless whether charged up or not!)

Seasons come and go, but weather preparedness is needed year-round! You may need a swimsuit and sunscreen in the summer, but what do you need for those cold winter days and nights? The winter season seems to be most unpredictable when it comes to its weather – being prepared for the unexpected is key, so that you don’t find yourself in the midst of a storm without the supplies to get you through it! We have everything you may need to equip yourself for the winter season and the severe weather it might bring with it – from simple ponchos and cold medicine, to flashlights and candles for power outages, and even emergency food and water as well as search and rescue kits for the more devastating natural disasters that leave people stranded.

Make your own personal disaster preparedness checklist with everything from food and water to sleeping gear and a change of clothes - remember any special needs such as medications, baby or pet supplies, and feminine hygiene. Our needs continue even when our normal resources draw to an abrupt halt. Start building your Winter preparedness stockpile now so you’re ready for the upcoming season... We’ve got what you need in an event of severe weather here!