You've probably read or heard about the upcoming winter storm. There will be plenty of snowfall and you can expect some school cancellations. It would be helpful for you and your family members to properly prepare for the winter storm. It's better to be safe or sorry, so check out the list below for advice on how to handle the weather.

1. Keep your flashlights and batteries on hand.

You probably already have a flashlight and some batteries in your home. You would be hard pressed to find a household that didn't have these simple items at hand. If you don't have a flashlight or any batteries, you can borrow them from a neighbor or purchase some from a variety of stores. Target, Sears, and Home Depot are a few stores you can get these supplies from. It seems like a hassle, but when the lights go out, you really will need to rely on this appliance.

2. Make sure you have salt.

This probably doesn't sound like your problem. After all, some neighborhoods have good Samaritans who will go out and sprinkle salt on the ground to prevent people from falling. However, it's good to have some of your own salt on hand. To prevent your relatives or friends from slipping as they enter or leave your house, you should have salt available. If you don't want to buy salt, make sure you have good boots to prevent any slips or accidents.

3. Get your shovel out.

Don't rely on your parents to shovel snow for you. If you have a shovel, you can go out and clear the entrance yourself. It would take a load of their shoulders and give you something to do. Some individuals live alone and thus lack the necessary supplies for winter storms. If you are someone who lives alone or with roommates, go out and check if you have a shovel because you'll need it to shovel the path to your living place.

4. Have a variety of foods that can be cooked different ways.

No one wants to go out for groceries during a storm because it's ridiculous and it's unsafe. No one should be ordering out either because some restaurants will probably be closing for the snow. Check out your fridge or pantry and see if you have more than one thing that can be cooked in different ways. In the rare case that your oven doesn't work, you'll need something that can be microwaved. Don't wait out the storm with an empty fridge.

5. Find a way to communicate with friends and family.

Phones and computers are obvious ways of communicating with close ones. Unfortunately, it is common for elderly people to suffer accidents during terrible weather. Look out for your grandparents or any other elderly relative by checking up on them. If they welcome your concern, you can offer to stay with them in order to help them out. If not, make sure your lines of communication are open.