Winter Weather
Mitigation
The first step to mastering Alaskan winters is to prepare your environment
PREPARE YOUR HOME:
- Replace old door and window seals for better insulation
- Clean your roof gutters before winter
- Cut back tree branches that might fall on your home
- Routinely have your chimney checked and cleaned
- Routinely change heating system filters
- Winterize your spigot and remove water hoses
- Have ice melt salt on hand to keep walkways ice free
- Have your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors checked regularly
- Alaska Home Fire Campaign can help you get new smoke alarms
PREPARE YOUR CAR:
- Check antifreeze levels and fill
- Check windshield washer fluid levels
- Check tire pressure
- Keep fuel tank at half full to prevent ice buildup in fuel lines and tank
- Maintain proper fluid levels and regular oil changes
CAR EMERGENCY KIT PREPERATION:
- Cat litter or sandbags for traction to help if you or someone else is stuck
- Extra hats, coats, gloves, and blankets.
- Shovel and window scraper
- Battery powered radio (hand crank or extra batteries)
- Flashlight (hand crank or extra batteries)
- Snacks such as energy bars or dehydrated food
- Portable battery or butane powered hand warmers
- Hot Hands or other iron activated heating packet brands
- Vehicle first aid kit
- Pocket knife
- Tow chains or tow ropes
- Emergency road flares or bright reflective flags or markers
- Road map of your local area
- Waterproof matches and cup or small camping pot to melt water
- If possible, keep a portable backpacking stove with 80/20 blend isobutane/propane fuel can with a small pot for water boiling and cooking
PREPARE YOURSELF:
- Check coats and snow pants for tears and holes. Patch repair kits can be used to help keep them waterproof
- Acquire ice cleats or other footwear designed for winter use on snow and ice
- Have a good winter hat, mittens, boots, and face coverings. Try not to use cotton based clothing as it does not maintain heat well if it gets wet. Look for wool, fur, or fleece blends