Winter Storm Prep Tips
Philly winter storm reminders and general reminders
A second big storm has been predicted and it started a few minutes ago in Philly. Here are storm prep reminders before it gets dark from GFC’s Winter Storm Prep article.
Top Priority — prepare for a black out:Freshness first — clean and organize the kitchen, gather and organize supplies in the warmest room. Clear any clutter focusing on the kitchen, bathroom, and high traffic walking paths, gather supplies and take care of your personal hygiene and medical needs.
During a blackout, refrigerated and frozen foods only stay safe for a limited time. Knowing these timelines helps prevent foodborne illness when you’re already dealing with cold, stress, and limited resources.
Food Safety During a Power Outage:
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage
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Time Limits To Remember:
- A refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours if unopened.
- A full freezer stays cold for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full).
- When in doubt, throw it out — especially meat, dairy, eggs, and leftovers.
- Keep appliance doors closed as much as possible to preserve cold air
Quick Recap & Key Action Steps
Emergency Contacts & Alerts
- ReadyPhila Alerts: Text ReadyPhila to 888‑777
- Text-to-911: For emergencies when you cannot call
- Philly311: App, call, text, or email for non‑emergency city services
- Mental Health Crisis: Call or text 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Official Winter Storm Guidance:
- Red Cross Winter Storm Safety
- FEMA Winter Storm Preparedness (4 Steps)
1. Set Up Your Warm Room (“Base Camp”)
- Choose the warmest interior room with the fewest windows.
- Bring blankets, sleeping bags, warm layers, hats, socks, and gloves into the room before temperatures drop.
- Seal drafts around windows and doors.
- Keep all essential supplies in this room to avoid losing heat by opening doors.
2. Water & Sanitation Prep
- Fill the bathtub or large containers with clean water for flushing and hygiene.
- Keep wipes, sanitizer, tissues, and menstrual products in one kit.
- Store documents and cash in a waterproof pouch, high off the ground.
3. Build Your Kits: Stay‑at‑Home Kit:
- Non‑perishable food
- Water for drinking and hygiene
- Manual can opener
- First aid + sanitation supplies
- Backup chargers
- Cash in a small pouch
- Written emergency contacts
- Waterproof storage for documents and cash
Go‑Kit (if you must leave):
- 3 days of essentials: clothes, underwear, socks, toiletries
- Medications
- Warm layers
- Important documents
- Snacks + water
- Flashlight + batteries
- IDs + emergency contacts
4. Safety During the Storm
- Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
- Use safe heating sources only — never ovens or grills.
- Dress in layers: cotton base, wool socks, warm hat, warm chest.
- Keep pets in the warm room with you — with food, water and treats.
5. Old School Winter Warmth Tips
- Set up sleeping areas early with blankets and sleeping bags and mylar emergency blankets
- Remember new mattresses are made for comfort not warmth so put a heavy blanket with the bottom folded under your feet to form a warm envelope.
- Wrap hand warmers in cloth — never place directly on skin.
- Keep low‑tech entertainment ready: books, cards, coloring, puzzles.
- Create a trash station in the coldest part of the home.
- Prep hair in a low‑maintenance style and keep your head covered.
6. Quick Food & Hydration Prep
- Set up a ready‑to‑eat food station on a non‑flammable surface — preferably the stove.
- Fill all water containers now — aim for 3 gallons per person per day.
- Make a hot beverage and store it in a thermos.
- Cook a full meal before the storm and use disposable plates to conserve water and put all trash outside if you can
7. Energy & Electronics
- Charge all devices and switch to low‑power mode.
- Test lanterns and gather extra batteries.
- Place candles only on stable, non‑flammable surfaces and use them as a last resort.
Final Reminders
- Keep your car fueled and stocked.
- Check on neighbors, especially older adults.
- Stay calm, stay warm, and use good judgment.
- You’ve prepared — now settle in and ride out the storm safely.
- Call relatives to set up a safety plan in case of evacuation
Count your blessings and stay safe.
