Winter Storm Safety Tips to Protect Your Home and Family

Many winter storms continue for days on end and can easily lead to big problems for people that aren’t prepared. A winter storm could knock out the power and warmth in your house or leave you stranded in your vehicle. Therefore, before a blizzard takes you by surprise, then follow the winter safety tips below. 

How Best to Stay Safe Ahead of the Storm

  • Produce a House emergency kit. Your winter storm security kit must continue at least three times in the event of a power outage or other catastrophe. Insert winter-specific items from the kit too: sand for traction, snow shovels, sand or salt to melt ice, heating (for example, dry wood when you’ve got a fireplace), and additional blankets and clothing. Additionally, incorporate an NOAA Weather Radio to hear blizzard alarms.
  • Produce a disaster preparedness program. Your winter storm security program will aid your family to understand what to do during a winter storm if you’re separated: the best way to get in touch with each other, the way to get together, and in which to meet. Designate a friend or relative that lives out of the city to be your household emergency contact. Furthermore, make certain 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. Use specific insulating products or even papers. If you are moving away, make the heat on in your house to a temperature of 55° F to prevent frozen pipes. Additionally, permit the taps to drip a bit to keep them from freezing.
  • Understand How to shut off utilities. If you have to evacuate your house, or in case a disaster like a flood or fire occurs, you’ll have to shut off utilities. Watch our hints to close off natural gas, power, and water supplies within your property. Have your furnace, wood stove or fireplace inspected and cleaned each 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 each month. Have a fire extinguisher on each level of the house.
  • Be prepared to guard your creatures. 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 ready for almost any conditions. Install summer tires and possess your automobile ready for winter Assess the brakes, ignition and battery system, antifreeze degrees, heater, exhaust system, and lighting. Create an emergency kit for the automobile that includes no less than a flashlight, blanket, snow/ice scraper, and salt or sand.

How Best to Stay Safe During and After a Winter Storm:

It is important to understand what to do during and after a blizzard strikes your region. Possessing a winter storm security mindset can allow you to keep yourself and your nearest and dearest safe during inclement weather. Below, you will find information on how best to stay safe during and after a winter storm:

  • When there’s a winter storm warning locally, take precautions instantly. Avoid driving and in case you are already driving, exercise caution. If you have to travel by car, make a disaster supplies kit.
  • Do not go out from the storm. However, if it is mandatory, walk carefully on snowy or icy paths.
  • In case you are shoveling snow, avoid overexertion. Change wet clothes immediately to prevent loss of body warmth. If you feel you’ve got frostbite, don’t rub the affected region. If you have lost feeling in extremities, like fingers and feet, seek shelter and medical assistance. That is just another threat when subjected to low temperatures. Symptoms include nausea, shivering, incoherence, and memory reduction. Individuals that are having hypothermia have to be heated up quickly and handled by a health care provider.
  • Find assistance if stranded in your vehicle. If you are stuck on the street in your car or truck, get out and find assistance only if a secure place is observable or nearby and also have proper clothing. Follow the directions from the regional transportation section, to find out the safest path to your property.
  • Contemplate a public shelter. In case you lost power due to the storm, then look at visiting a designated public refuge. Be conscious of frostbite and hypothermia dangers when moving outside. Be careful when using insecticides to reduce the probability of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Vent fuel-burning equipment to the exterior and also have fire extinguishers near. Check the exterior port is clear of debris, leaves, and snow. In addition, never use a chainsaw, grill, or alternative gasoline/charcoal burner inside.
  • Evaluate your preparedness following the storm. Once the storm has settled, assess your security preparations and provides a kit. Consider ways that you can better your strategy and what you could enhance your kit to make it through another winter storm more securely. Share your winter safety tips with neighbors and friends. Here are some fire safety checklist you should know.

For water damage recovery, contact PuroClean straight away!

In the event of a burst pipe, roof leak, or other difficulties, and to guarantee winter storm security, your very best chance of retrieval is by way of a professional water damage restoration firm. For more information about water elimination and recovery, contact your regional PuroClean office. Our technicians stand ready to serve almost any residence or business with complete water damage restoration solutions.

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