Health Tip: Get Ready for Weather-Related Emergencies

(HealthDay News) -- When winter weather strikes, your home may lose power due to the effects of snow, wind or ice.

Creating an emergency kit can help your family stay safe and provide basic necessities until the power is restored. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the things that should be included in your winter-weather emergency kit:

• Non-perishable food items that don't need to be cooked or refrigerated, as well as a supply of clean water in containers.

• A flashlight, weather radio and some lamps.

• A few extra sets of batteries.

• A first-aid kit stocked with extra supplies of your medications.

• Basic items for babies.

• Some sand or cat litter to sprinkle on steps and walkways that are covered in ice.