Winter | Dr. Sam

Whether it's cabin fever or a nasty fall, here's a simple plan to help you prepare for whatever winter brings.

1. Assemble a first aid kit

2. Get ready for cabin fever

3. Gather food items and treats

4. Store a supply of drinking water

Assemble a first aid kit

Having the basic supplies listed below will allow you to handle minor mishaps like burns while cooking or bumps and bruises from hauling out holiday decorations. And, if you have young children around the house, it's wise to be prepared for scraped knees and sore throats.

You should have:

First aid manual
Antibiotic soap
Antibiotic ointment and burn ointment
Assorted bandages and sterile dressings
Sterile gloves
Eye wash solution
Thermometer
Prescription medications, especially those that you can't go without for even a few hours (such as insulin, asthma, or heart medicine)
Medical supplies, such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment
Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Tweezers and scissors
Non-prescription drugs: anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, syrup of Ipecac (no longer advised by the Poison Control Center), laxative, activated charcoal (use only if advised by the Poison Control Center, 1-800-222-1222)

Get ready for cabin fever

If you're faced with a bad storm (snow, rain, or ice), you may not be able to get out of the house for a day or two. Have the following items handy, and you and your family can ride out a short confinement in relative comfort:

Hygiene supplies, including toilet paper and feminine needs
Portable radio, flashlights, and extra batteries
A battery-powered TV, if possible
Candles, shovel, and small tools
Bottle opener and folding knife
Money, credit cards, and matches in a waterproof container
Fire extinguisher
Blankets and extra clothing
Supplies for babies or small children
Household liquid bleach to purify drinking water, if necessary
Extra keys to your house, car(s), and safety deposit box
Extra glasses or contact lenses if you wear them
Cell phone, if possible
Games, deck of cards, and books, especially for younger children

Gather food items and treats

Even if you can get to the store, you're likely to find empty shelves if you wait until a storm is predicted. So, it's a good idea to have a supply of nonperishable food on hand, especially items you can serve if your power goes out.

Look for canned food, dry mixes, and things that aren't high in fat, protein, or salt, especially if you have a limited supply of water. Pick items your family enjoys that don't need to be refrigerated, cooked, or require a lot of water to prepare.

Here are some suggestions:

Dry cereal
Peanut butter
Dried fruit and nuts
Crackers
Canned juices
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
Vitamins
Bagged popcorn
Hot chocolate and other comfort foods
Food for infants or babies
Pet foods (if applicable)

Store a supply of drinking water

While most minor emergencies or power outages probably won't affect your water supply, it's still a good idea to have water stored in case there's a shut-off or the supply is contaminated. Follow these basic guidelines, and you'll be covered no matter what.

Plan on at least one gallon of water per person per day and have at least a two-week supply for every family member if possible (don't forget your pets!). If you can't store that much, a three- or four-day supply would probably be adequate for most situations. However, if you end up in a bind, you can use the water in your hot-water tank, pipes, and ice cubes.

If it seems like too much trouble to gather all your supplies, break it down into smaller tasks. Concentrate on one category at a time and gather a few items each day. In no time, you'll have everything you need to ride out a winter storm or tend to a scrape or burn. A little planning now will save you time, money, and stress later, no matter what lies ahead.

For more suggestions on supplies and tips on preparing your food and drinking water go to

Ready America (Ready America section)

or the

American Red Cross