Keep these items together in a plastic tub or container and store them so that they will be easy to find.

​Nobody likes to think about a disaster happening—but thinking about it is exactly what we need to do. Preparation makes all the difference; it can literally save lives.

A winter storm can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow that lasts several days. Some winter storms may be large enough to affect several states, while others may affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by low temperatures, heavy and/or blowing snow, which can severely reduce visibility, and icy conditions.