How to Handle a Storm in the Winter

8/5/2024 (Permalink)

Winter storms are common in the US. They have intense winds and even heavy snowfall at times. During such times of crisis, staying safe can become a huge challenge especially for families who live in low-lying coastal areas. Since winter storms bring extreme temperatures and roads full of ice with them, it is necessary to prepare yourself accordingly in case a winter storm is expected to hit your area. Apart from extreme cold, winter storms can also cause power outrages – resulting in cold homes and no source of heat for you or your loved ones. A time of crisis like this requires a clear disaster plan to ensure the safety of your family.

Below are a few steps that you can take to prepare for a winter storm:

1. Weatherproofing the House

Since cold weather is extremely dangerous when there is a power failure, it is necessary to weatherproof your home to ensure that the heat remains inside the house and the cold winds from the outside do not enter through the windows. You can weatherproof your home by installing caulk or strips to the edges of doors and windows to prevent any air or snow from coming inside your home. Another great way to keep the house warm is to insulate all of your walls and especially the attic. It is also beneficial to insulate your water pipes to ensure that your water supply remains warm even during the storm. Since storms are dangerous, you should repair any roof leakages before the winter season arrives.

2. Chimney Inspections

Most houses in the US have a fireplace that they plan to use in case of an emergency. To ensure that your fireplace is safe to use, it is necessary to have it inspected each year by a professional fireplace company. This lessens the risk of a fire in your home in case the chimney had been blocked.

3. Install Smoke Detectors

Lighting up a fire in the fireplace in your home can lead to collection of carbon monoxide in the air. To avoid gas poisoning during extreme temperatures caused by a winter storm, it is necessary to have a smoke detector or a carbon monoxide detector inside the house, near the fireplace. Other precautionary measures relating to a fire emergency include having a working fire extinguisher available at home and keeping all burning equipment such as coal or oil outside the house.

4. Have an Emergency Kit

In case you need to evacuate your house during a heavy winter storm, it is necessary for you to have a pre-prepared emergency kit that you can keep in the car. This kit should include a spare cell phone that is charged, a portable charger, and a battery-powered radio to keep you up to date on the news. Equipment to stay warm such as coats, blankets, and gloves must also be kept in the kit. Since you may have to evacuate your home for quite some time, it is beneficial to have dry snacks inside the kit such as chips or biscuits that do not turn bad. Since your car GPS or phone may shut down during a heavy storm, it is important to include a detailed road map in the kit in order to guide you accordingly. You can also keep a shovel and a windshield scraper in order to cope with the heavy snowfall.