Be Prepared in a winter emergency

Brr!
For those of us working at the BSA National Office, this would've been the only way to make it to work this morning.

With roads that look more like skating rinks all across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I’m glad that the BSA National Office is closed today.

But just because I can’t make it to the office doesn’t mean I can’t share my thoughts with you on this blog. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, I’m coming to you live from my living room!

This winter weather that’s gripping the country had me thinking about how Scout packs, troops, and crews can be affected by cold weather and icy roads.

When the snow and freezing rain hit, do you cancel your unit’s weekend plans or press on? Who makes the call in those situations? When do you decide to turn back? And how do you inform parents about trip cancellations?

The Guide to Safe Scouting offers tips about how to prepare for emergencies, such as what to include in an emergency preparedness kit (food, water, a flashlight, etc.).

There’s also great advice on camping in the winter.

But when it comes to the “Go” or “No Go” decision, that’s left up to individual units to decide what’s best.

Unit leaders should review up-to-date weather forecasts and check their state’s department of transportation Web site before making the final call. Remember to Be Prepared, and you can ensure that your guys have a fun and safe time.

How does your unit make this call? Leave a comment below to share your experiences with fellow Scouters.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.