Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist – Licensed Financial Professional

Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist

Target Household: 5

1. Critical Survival Resources

[ ] Potable Water (75 Gallons): Minimum 1 gallon per person/day for 14 days, plus 1 gallon/day for the dog.
[ ] Water Purification: Unscented household bleach (1/8 teaspoon per gallon) or purification tablets as a backup.
[ ] Non-Perishable Food (45+ Ready-to-Eat Units): Canned stews, chili, soups, and meats (tuna, chicken, turkey).
[ ] Caloric Staples: 10 jars of peanut or nut butters and 14 boxes of whole-wheat crackers or granola bars.
[ ] High-Energy Snacks: 15 family packs of nuts, trail mix, or dried fruit.
[ ] Hydration/Electrolytes: 30 electrolyte powder packets and 6 quarts of shelf-stable milk.
[ ] Morale Boosters: Instant coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate.
[ ] Cash Reserve: $200+ in small bills for when electronic systems are down.

2. Thermal Regulation (Warming Zone)

[ ] Zone Selection: Identify a central interior room away from exterior walls and windows.
[ ] Microclimate Setup: Set up a camping tent inside the room and use a rainfly to reflect warmth.
[ ] Draft Mitigation: Seal door and window gaps with rolled towels or black trash bags to trap solar heat during the day.
[ ] Bedding: 7+ heavy sleeping bags or blankets (minimum 1 per person).
[ ] Layered Clothing: 10 sets of wool or synthetic base layers (avoid cotton), thick wool socks, and mittens.
[ ] Indoor-Safe Heat: Use only approved indoor propane heaters (e.g., Mr. Heater Buddy) with active ventilation.

3. Plumbing and Infrastructure Protection

[ ] The Faucet Drip: Let all faucets (hot and cold) drip slowly. Movement prevents standing water from freezing.
[ ] Cabinet Circulation: Open all sink cabinet doors to allow household air to reach the pipes.
[ ] Main Valve Tool: Locate your water shut-off valve (often in the garage or front yard meter pit) and keep a curb key or wrench nearby.
[ ] System Drain Supplies: Have 2 gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze ready for P-traps if you must drain the entire system.
[ ] Outdoor Prep: Disconnect, drain, and store all garden hoses; cover outdoor spigots.

4. Power, Communication, and Safety

[ ] Generator Safety: Position generators at least 20 feet from the house with exhaust facing away from windows.
[ ] Power Station: Ensure LiFePO4 power stations are kept in the warm room (above freezing) to preserve battery capacity.
[ ] Detection: Test battery-operated Carbon Monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors on every level.
[ ] Lighting: 5 LED headlamps or high-powered flashlights with 50+ extra batteries.
[ ] Weather Radio: NOAA Weather Radio (hand-crank or battery-powered).
[ ] Edmond Outage Hotline: (405) 216-7660.

5. Sanitation and Hygiene (Twin-Bucket System)

[ ] Poo Bucket: 5-gallon bucket lined with 3–5 mil heavy-duty contractor bags.
[ ] Pee Bucket: Separate 5-gallon bucket for liquid waste (keeps odors down).
[ ] Carbon Material: 2 bags of peat moss, sawdust, or shredded paper to cover solid waste.
[ ] TP Management: Store used toilet paper in a separate sealable bag rather than the poo bucket for easier coverage.
[ ] Hygiene: 10 rolls of TP, 5 packs of baby wipes, and 5 units of hand sanitizer.

6. Pet and Vehicle Preparedness

[ ] Dog Survival: 15 lbs of kibble, extra medications, and blankets. Use dog booties or wipe paws after outings to remove irritating salt/ice melt.
[ ] Vehicle Kit: Gas tank at least 3/4 full, ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, and an emergency blanket.
[ ] Yard Safety: Trim rotting branches near the house or power lines before the ice accumulation begins.

7. Personal Readiness Questions

[ ] Medical Needs: Does any household member require power for a CPAP, nebulizer, or oxygen concentrator? (If yes, apply for an Edmond Electric Medical Seal at 405-359-4541).
[ ] Fridge Preservation: Have we frozen plastic containers of water to act as ice blocks for the refrigerator?.
[ ] Communication: Do we have a non-cordless landline phone? (These often work even when power is out).
[ ] Dietary Needs: Are there any specific food allergies among the 5 adults not covered by the bulk list?