A second chance to be prepared

It's a marshmallow world this winter - the kind we can expect to pull down power lines and leave us sitting in a cold, dark house wishing we were better prepared.

Judging from the snow load on local trees and power lines, it's just a matter of time until our winter home preparedness will be put to the test.

Winter in Alaska is altogether unforgiving. Whether you are snowmachining or driving a vehicle, don't leave the safety of your home unless you are prepared for Alaska's ever-changing weather conditions.

Various groups like Matanuska Electric Association, Chaz Limited Collision Express and the North American Outdoor Institute have put together checklists to help simplify the preparation process.

But preparedness takes action.

Whenever you leave home in the winter it's a good idea to remember Mother Nature kills in an assortment of ways.

In the car, we suggest a to-go bag with the basics, such as jumper cables, ice scraper, shovel, dry clothing and socks, hats, gloves, boots, emergency blanket, car cellphone charger, a first aid kit, matches, a flashlight with extra batteries, tow rope and a camp ax.

These aren't uncommon items, but it takes a bit of planning and follow-through to convert good ideas to the tools needed to save your life in an emergency. We met a woman last week who used her emergency car kit to care for a man hurt in a snowmachine accident until emergency crews could get there.

If you plan to play outside, please plan to do so safely. Go with friends, tell someone what your plans are, avoid past avalanche zones, stay away from uncertain ice, dress in layers, carry extra water, food, clothes, shovel, probe, transceiver and cellphone.

At home, there also is a need to prepare in case of a power or natural gas outage. MEA recommends putting together a survival pack to use when the power is out. It includes matches, candles, a hand-operated can-opener, a battery-operated radio and extra batteries, flashlights and extra batteries, extra blankets, install an alternate heating and cooking system (such as a wood stove), alternative long-term lighting with candles or a kerosene light, and extra food and water.

We've all heard this plea for preparedness before, and we likely have some form of these kits in our cars and houses now.

But look outside. Look at the load of snow on the lines and trees. We've been given a second chance to prepare for what seems an inevitable winter power outage.

Take a few minutes now to ask each person in your family to be responsible for locating and adding two items from the list to your family's survival kit for your home and vehicle.