Winter Safety

Ready Eddie: Burrr, it sure is cold out there!

Prepared Patty: You're telling me! I am glad I prepared myself for the weather by wearing my warm jacket, hat, and gloves.

Ready Eddie: Have you seen the weather forecast lately. I think soon we might get some-

Confused Connie: SNOW!!!! I LOVE SNOW!!!! SNOW IS SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!

Ready Eddie: I agree. I love playing in the snow. But snow can also be very dangerous.

Confused Connie: Dangerous? But how?

Ready Eddie: Winter weather can cause lots of problems. A lot of them have to do with car accidents. Driving in winter conditions can be extremely hazardous. You could crash or become stranded.

Prepared Patty: That is exactly right, Eddie, which is why it is important to make sure every car your ride in has a disaster supplies kit!

Confused Connie: I think I remember now. We talked about having disaster supplies kits this summer at the summer camps. So . . . is they why we told everyone to have a kit every house AND every car?

Ready Eddie: Yes! Winter weather isn't the only situation you might need supplies in your car for, but it is definitely an important one to be ready for.

Confused Connie: What if I just stay out of cars? Will winter be safe for me then?

Prepared Patty: Definitely not! Winter storms are dangerous for everyone and can cause many problems. Large storms can knock the power out for days! That can be very scary for people who aren't prepared.

Ready Eddie: You have to be ready to prevent dangerous situations, like hypothermia.

Confused Connie: Hypothermia? I don't remember what that is!

Ready Eddie: Hypothermia is when you body gets so cold, it starts to shut down. It is a very serious condition.

Confused Connie: Oh no! What can I do?

Ready Eddie: It is important to make sure you are ready when winter storms hit! Having a disaster supplies kit in your home can be very helpful during this time.

Prepared Patty: Yes, especially one packed with extra blankets and warm clothing.

Confused Connie: Okay, that makes sense. My family has a wood stove, too, so that should help, right?

Ready Eddie: That is a good way to keep warm when the power is out, but don't forget to be careful with any wood stove, fireplace, or other heating device. If you're not, you could start a fire!

Confused Connie: Really? A fire? When it is so cold out??

Prepared Patty: Definitely! But you can prevent fire by not leaving heating sources on when you're not arround, and making sure your smoke detectors are working and have fresh batteries.

Confused Connie: I think I can do that. There is a lot to think about with winter weather! But is it still okay for me to have fun in the snow?

Ready Eddie: Of course! Just make sure you have warm winter clothes on.

Confused Connie: Good! Now that I know how to stay safe, I can still be excited about making snow forts again!

Prepared Patty: And that will be a good way to be prepared for the snowball fights I am sure we will be having.

Ready Eddie: I can't wait!


Now that you've thought about being prepared for winter weather, what are some important items for your winterized disaster supplies kit? Below is a word find with some good ideas for items you should be sure to have. Click on the puzzle for a larger, printable version: