Interesting Article in NW REporter

Here's some very helpful information about winter storms courtesy of NW REporter

http://www.nwmls.com/discover/nwreporter.cfm?SectionListsID=25&PageID=5382

Here's a list of essentials that they recommend to keep in your emergency kit:
* Water: one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
* Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
* Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* First aid kit
* Whistle to signal for help
* Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to protect shelter-in-place
* Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
* Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
* Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
* Local maps
* Cell phone with chargers (car charger recommended in the event of power outages)

They also include some of Puget Sound Energy's tips for better energy efficiency this winter:
PSE's energy-efficiency tips to prepare for winter

1. Seal up leaky drafts around doors and windows with weather-stripping, caulking, and door sweeps. Also seal up any leaks or gaps in furnace ducts that extend through unheated basements or crawl spaces.
2. Reduce air leaks by repairing broken windows and using inexpensive weather-stripping around entry doors.
3. Insulate attics, outside walls, and floors over crawlspaces.
4. Have the furnace inspected and serviced to make sure it is in proper working order.
5. Clean or replace the furnace air filters at least every two months during the heating season.
6. Set the thermostat at the coolest level you can without making your rooms uncomfortable. For most homes, the heating bill drops by about 2 percent for every one degree the thermostat is lowered.
7. Lower the thermostat at bedroom or while away during the day. Setting the thermostat to 58 degrees while asleep can cut a natural-gas bill by up to 7 percent.