Many winter storms last for days on end and can easily lead to big problems for people who aren’t prepared. A winter storm could knock out the power and heat in your home or leave you stranded in your vehicle. So, before a blizzard takes you by surprise, follow the winter storm safety tips below.
Winter Storm Safety Tips — Before the Storm
- Create a House emergency kit. Your winter storm safety kit must last at least three days in the event of a power outage or other catastrophe. Insert winter-specific items in the kit too: sand for traction, snow shovels, sand or salt to melt ice, heating (such as dry wood when you’ve got a fireplace), and extra clothing and blankets. Additionally, include an NOAA Weather Radio to hear blizzard alarms.
- Produce a disaster preparedness plan. Your winter storm safety program will aid your family to understand what to do during a winter storm if you are separated: how to contact each other, how to get together, and where to meet. Designate a friend or relative who lives out of the city to be your household emergency contact. Furthermore, make sure to make and practice a fire escape plan.
- Insulate Your House. Install storm shutters and windows and insulate your attic and walls to keep the cold air out. Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows or cover windows with plastic from the interior. Use special insulation products or even papers. If you’re moving away, make the heat on in your house to a temperature of 55° F to prevent frozen pipes. Additionally, allow the taps to drip a bit to help keep them from freezing.
- Understand How to shut off utilities. If you have to evacuate your house, or if a disaster like a flood or fire occurs, you’ll have to shut off utilities. Watch our tips to close off natural gas, power, and water supplies in your property. Have your furnace, wood stove or fireplace inspected and cleaned every year to be sure they’re working correctly.
- Make fire-safe. Make sure that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning by testing them every month. Have a fire extinguisher on each level of the home.
- Be ready to protect your animals. Bring companions indoors and proceed livestock and other animals to sheltered places.
- Winterize Your Vehicle. Although driving through a blizzard is harmful, you need to be prepared for any circumstances. Install winter tires and possess your automobile ready for winter Assess the brakes, battery and ignition system, antifreeze levels, heater, exhaust system, and lights. Create an emergency kit for the vehicle that includes no less than a flashlight, blanket, snow/ice scraper, and salt or sand. Also, keep the gas tank full to prevent the fuel line from freezing.
Winter Storm Safety Tips — During and After the Storm
It is important to know what to do during and after a blizzard strikes your region. Having a winter storm security mindset can help you keep yourself and your loved ones safe during inclement weather. Below, you will find information on how best to stay safe during and after a winter storm:
When there is a winter storm warning in your area, take precautions immediately. Avoid driving and if you are already driving, exercise caution. If you must travel by car, bring a disaster supplies kit.
- Don’t go out from the storm. Yet, if it is necessary, walk carefully on snowy or icy paths.
- If you’re shoveling snow, avoid overexertion. Change wet clothes right away to prevent loss of body heat. If you feel you have frostbite, don’t rub the affected region. If you’ve lost feeling in extremities, such as fingers and toes, seek shelter and medical help. That is another danger when subjected to low temperatures. Symptoms include nausea, shivering, incoherence, and memory reduction. Individuals that are having hypothermia have to be warmed up immediately and handled by a doctor.
- Find help if stranded in your vehicle. If you’re stuck on the road in your car or truck, get out and seek help only if a secure place is observable or nearby and have appropriate clothing. Follow the directions from the regional transportation department, to find out the safest path to your property.
- Contemplate a public shelter. If you lost power due to the storm, then consider visiting a designated public shelter. Be conscious of frostbite and hypothermia risks when moving outside.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Be careful when using burners to reduce the probability of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Vent fuel-burning equipment to the exterior and also have fire extinguishers near. Check that the exterior vent is clear of leaves, debris, and snow. Besides, never use a generator, grill, or other gasoline/charcoal burner inside.
- Evaluate your preparedness after the storm. When the storm has settled, evaluate your security preparations and provides a kit. Think about ways that you can better your strategy and what you could enhance your kit to get through the next winter storm more securely. Share your winter storm safety tips with friends and neighbors.
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In case of a burst pipe, roof leak, or another difficulty, and to guarantee winter storm security, your very best chance of retrieval is by way of a professional water damage restoration company. For water elimination and recovery, contact your local PuroClean Naples office. Our technicians stand ready to serve almost any home or business with complete water damage restoration solutions. They also offer coronavirus cleanup services, click here to find out more.