The weather is turning colder. If you've lived in New York awhile, you're used to it, but if you've just moved here, the temperature drop may take you by surprise. It's important not to be caught unawares and to be prepared for an emergency. In particular, ensure you have an emergency kit ready in case of power outages or similar emergency situations. Our REALTORS® can help you prepare for the weather in the area. Here are a few things you'll need.

• Food. You'll need at least a three-day supply of food for each household member, plus one gallon of water per person per day. All food items should be canned or dry—things you can prepare without an oven or microwave. If you have a baby at home, be sure to stock up on baby food, formula, and powdered milk, too, as well as extra bottles, blankets, and diapers. You'll also need a portable camping stove that runs on an independent fuel source, as your electricity and gas can go out in an emergency. Ensure the stove's fuel tank is full, and have pots, pans, plates, and utensils you can take with you if you're evacuated. Finally, be sure you have a reliable manual can opener.
  
  
• Pet Supplies. If you have pets at home, ensure they're provided for during a crisis. Have extra food for them and a few more gallons of bottled water. Have a pet carrier or crate, in case you're evacuated, along with water and food dishes that can be easily transported.
  
  
• Documents. Make sure all of your family's important documents are safe and easily accessible in case you need to be evacuated. This includes IDs, passports, social security cards, credit cards, checkbooks, birth and marriage certificates, wills, and the like. Include your pets' vaccination records as well. You'll also want to gather together all insurance documents, in case there's damage to your home. A supply of cash wouldn't go amiss either, in case local businesses are also dealing with outages.
  
  
• Electronics. Have several reliable flashlights on hand, along with a radio for news updates and instructions. Check what kind of batteries each device takes and have a spare stash. You should also have a portable, battery-operated cell phone charger. This allows you to maintain access to all your emergency contacts and can be used to keep track of emergency updates and alerts. Just in case, you should also have your emergency contacts written down and kept with your other important documents.
  
  
• Tools. If something breaks in your home, you'll need to be able to fix it, at least temporarily, until you can call a contractor. Therefore, you'll need a basic toolkit with hammer and nails, screwdriver and screws, pliers, wrench, and a work knife. You should also have a tarp that can be placed on the roof in case of leaks.
  
  
• First Aid Kit. A good first aid kit includes Band-Aids, antiseptic ointment, and rubbing alcohol, along with bandages, gauze, and scissors for larger injuries. Also, have aspirin, antacids, a thermometer, and anti-diarrhea medication. Finally, be sure to have a supply of any prescription medications your household is taking.

Emergencies can happen anywhere, but with a little preparation, you can weather the storm. It also helps to find Nassau County homes for sale and Suffolk County homes designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Contact us, and we'll help you find a home that will keep you safe through all kinds of weather.