Many winter storms continue for days on end and can easily cause major problems for people who aren’t prepared. A winter storm can knock out the power and warmth in your house or leave you stranded in your car. Therefore, before a blizzard takes you by surprise, follow the winter storm safety tips below.
Before the Winter Storm Safety Tips
- Produce a House emergency kit. Your winter storm safety kit must continue at least three times in the event of a power outage or other catastrophe. Insert winter-specific items in the kit too: sand for traction, snow shovels, salt or sand to melt ice, heating fuel (such as dry wood if you’ve got a fireplace), and additional blankets and clothing. Also, include a NOAA Weather Radio to hear blizzard alarms.
- Produce a disaster preparedness program. Your winter storm security plan will help your family know what to do during a winter storm in case you’re separated: how to contact each other, how to get together, and where to meet. Designate a friend or relative who lives out of town to be your household emergency contact. Furthermore, make sure to create and practice a fire escape plan.
- Insulate Your House. Install storm shutters and windows and insulate your loft and walls to keep the cold air out. Check and fix roof leaks and trim the trees in your yard.
- Insulate your pipes to prevent them from freezing and rupturing. Use special insulation products or even papers. If you’re going away, leave the heat on in your home to a temperature of 55° F to prevent frozen pipes. In addition, allow the faucets to drip a little to help keep them from freezing.
- Know how to shut off utilities. Should you have to evacuate your house, or if a disaster like fire or flooding occurs, you’ll have to shut off utilities. Watch our tips to close off natural gas, power, and water supplies in your home.
- Maintain your heating equipment. 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 working by testing them every month. Replace batteries twice a year. Have a fire extinguisher on every level of the home.
- Be prepared to guard your creatures. Bring companions inside and move livestock and other animals to sheltered areas.
- Winterize Your Vehicle. Although driving through a blizzard is harmful, you should be prepared for almost any circumstances. Install winter tires and possess your vehicle ready for severe winter Assess the brakes, battery and ignition system, antifreeze levels, heater, exhaust system, and lights. Make an emergency kit for your vehicle that includes no less than a flashlight, blanket, snow/ice scraper, and sand or salt. Additionally, keep the gas tank full to prevent the fuel line from freezing. Check out Montgomery fire repair for more information.
During and After Winter Storm Safety Tips
It’s 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 nearest and dearest safe during inclement weather. Below, you can find information on how best to remain safe during and after a winter storm:
- Drive carefully. When there’s a winter storm warning in your area, take precautions immediately. Avoid driving and if you are already driving, exercise caution. If you have to travel by car, bring a disaster supplies kit.
- Don’t go outside in the storm. Yet, if it is necessary, walk carefully on snowy or icy paths. Wear appropriate clothing: layers of lightweight clothing, water repellent outerwear, a hat, mittens, and a scarf.
- If you are shoveling snow, avoid overexertion. Take breaks and lift smaller heaps. Change wet clothes immediately to prevent loss of body warmth.
- Prevent frostbite. In cases of cold temperature exposure, prevent frostbite by covering exposed skin. If you think you’ve got frostbite, don’t rub the affected area. If you’ve lost feeling in extremities, like fingers and feet, seek shelter and medical help.
- Prevent hypothermia. This is another threat when subjected to low temperatures. Symptoms include drowsiness, shivering, incoherence, and memory reduction. People that are experiencing hypothermia must be warmed up immediately and handled by a doctor.
- Find help if stranded in your car. If you’re stuck on the street in your vehicle, get out and find help only if a secure place is visible or nearby and also have proper clothing. Follow the instructions from your local transportation department, to find out the safest route to your home.
- Consider a public shelter. In case you lost power due to the storm, then look at going to a designated public shelter. Be conscious of frostbite and hypothermia dangers when moving outside. Be cautious when using insecticides to reduce the probability of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Vent fuel-burning equipment to the outside and have fire extinguishers close by. Check the exterior port is clear of debris, leaves, and snow. Also, never use a generator, grill, or other gasoline/charcoal burner inside.
- Evaluate your preparedness after the storm. When the storm has settled, assess your security preparations and provides a kit. Think about ways that you can improve your strategy and what you can enhance your kit to make it through the next winter storm more safely. Share your winter storm safety tips with neighbors and friends.
For water damage recovery, contact PuroClean immediately!
In the event of a burst pipe, roof leak, or other problem, and to ensure winter storm security, your very best chance of recovery is by way of a professional water damage repair firm. For water removal and recovery, contact your regional PuroClean office. Our technicians stand ready to serve any home or business with complete water damage restoration services.
Looking for restoration companies to help you with your property? Check out their page here to find out more.