Winter Weather Woes?

The secret to a safe and sane winter is to be prepared. If you wait until the day before a big winter storm is set to hit and then join the panicked crowds at the supermarket, you may not be able to get all the supplies you need, or you might end up paying a higher cost to get them. At best, you’ll send your stress and anxiety levels sailing off the charts. So do yourself and your family a favor: If you live in an area that gets snow and ice storms, even if it’s only occasionally, gear up with plenty of time before the first flakes begin to fall. Here’s what you need to keep on hand:

• Basic cleaning and first-aid supplies
• Battery-powered radio and/or television
• Candles and matches
• Emergency heating source
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Food, water, and medications—both prescription and OTC—for all people and pets in your household (FEMA recommends you have a two-week supply.)
• Heating fuel, such as oil for your furnace and extra wood for your fireplace or woodstove
• Home-entertainment options that don’t require electric power, such as books, board games, playing cards, and jigsaw puzzles

Check out our bestselling book, It Pays to be Cheap!, for some easy ways to keep your energy costs down this winter while still staying warm. You can even try it out for FREE with our Free Preview!