Just a few inches of snow can cause extended power outages and shut down roads, schools, and businesses in Hampton Roads, so it's important to be prepared before the storm hits. 

Here are some steps you can take to keep yourself, your family, and your home safe:

1.  Check your pantry & restock

You might be homebound for a few days, so it's a good idea to have at least 3 days of food on hand.  Good foods to have are bread, crackers, peanut butter, honey, granola bars, canned goods, cereal, & lunch meats.  Be sure to pick up some fruit such as bananas, oranges, & apples, as well as some fresh veggies.  If you have time, hard boil some eggs. 

And don't forget your pets!  Make sure you have enough food for them too.

2.  Buy bottled water

If your pipes freeze, or if you're on a well & the power is out, you'll need water.  Make sure you have a minimum of 3 gallons of water per person and, again, don't forget your fur babies!  

You'll also need water for flushing the toilet, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and washing hands, so it's a good idea to fill up a bathtub and bottles, jugs, or other containers before the storm.  

3.  Fill your prescriptions 

Make sure you have enough of all your prescription medications to last at least 3 days.  Having a week's worth will prevent you from having to leave home after the storm, when the roads may still be bad.

4.  Stock up on diapers & hygiene items

Check your supplies of diapers, wipes, toilet paper, feminine products, pain relievers, & toothpaste and restock if needed. 

5.  Know where your emergency supplies are

Before the storm, make sure you can easily access any emergency items you might need.  Things like flashlights, extra batteries, a fire extinguisher, candles & matches, extra blankets, trash bags, and a manual can opener, for example.  

As always, don't forget your pets!  Ensure you can quickly find leashes, harnesses, and carriers if needed. 

6.  Check your tools & salt supply

Make sure your toolkit is close by & in good condition.  You might need a wrench or pliers to turn off water or other utilities in a hurry.

Do you know where your snow shovel is & do you have salt already on hand or do you need to restock?  It's best to buy these items as early as possible since they are likely to sell out quickly.

7.  Be prepared to lose power

Charge your phone & your portable phone chargers.  If you have a portable generator, make sure you have gas.

8.  Protect your pipes

If temperatures are expected to be below 28º for longer than 4 hours, take precautions to protect your water pipes.  Pipes that run in unheated interior areas such as crawlspaces, basements, garages, attics, and even kitchen cabinets are especially vulnerable. 

To help prevent frozen pipes, let faucets drip with cold water.  Running water, even just a trickle, is less likely to freeze.  Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer air to circulate.   

Disconnect hoses and shut off the water supply to outside faucets.  Be sure to drain any leftover water out after closing off the supply. 

9.  Check your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors 

Test your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they're working & replace batteries if needed.