Photo: Darren McCollester / Getty Images News / Getty Images
A major winter storm is poised to impact more than half the United States this weekend, stretching over 2,000 miles from the southern Plains to the Northeast. At least 172 million people are now under winter weather alerts as officials urge residents to prepare for heavy snow, dangerous ice accumulations, and potentially historic cold temperatures.
Officials across multiple states are emphasizing the importance of preparation ahead of the storm. The New York City Department of Emergency Management recommends making a household disaster plan and winterizing go bags with blankets, warm socks, and gloves. Emergency supply kits should be fully stocked and ready to sustain an individual for up to a week without power, including extra clothing, warm blankets, and a battery-operated radio to monitor updates.
The National Weather Service recommends stocking up on essential supplies before a winter storm strikes, including flashlights with extra batteries, extra food and water (including nonperishable items such as granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit), a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio or portable radio, extra prescription medications, first-aid supplies, baby necessities such as diapers and formula, heating fuel, an emergency heat source such as a properly ventilated space heater, a working fire extinguisher and smoke alarms, and extra pet food.
To stay safe while warming up, officials remind people to never bring a charcoal grill into their home and to not use a generator inside their home or garage, noting it should be at least 20 feet away. Residents should not run a car in the garage, even if the garage door is open, or heat their home using a gas stove or oven.