How to Prepare for a Snow Storm
Some areas of the country see frequent winter storms blow through, leaving trails of snow and ice in their wake. Other areas might find snow a novelty and ice a dangerous hazard they’re unprepared to combat. No matter which situation you fall into, it’s always smart to know how to prepare for winter weather so you and your family can stay safe and warm when the worst happens. Especially in areas with heavy snowfall, having a roof load calculator can be helpful. In places that don’t commonly see ice, keeping car scrapers and ice melting chemicals in the shed can be a smart move.
Get Supplies
The first time you hear about a potential snow storm, you should be making your list of needed supplies. If you’re not stranger to snow, you probably already have a snow shovel, some ice melt, and maybe even salt for your driveway or sidewalk. You should also be sure to stock up food and water and be sure you have enough fuel to run heaters or a generator in the event you lose power. Bring all your blankets and warm clothes out of the attic in case you have to hunker down for a few hours until the electricity comes back on. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure to bring in a stack of dry wood that you can throw on the fire.
Prepare for Power Outage
You might not associate snow and ice with losing power, but it’s always a possibility with winter storms. The first thing to do is turn up your heat before the storm starts and close off any rooms that won’t be in use. This will help to keep your home warmer longer if you lose electricity. You also want to prepare all of your battery powered tools—flashlights, radio, etc.—before hand so you know where they are and that they’re fully charged, and charge cell phones and electronic devices to full capacity. You’ll also want to check that all of your pipes are properly insulated before the ice hits so they don’t freeze and burst or start leaking when you can’t get to them. Finally, keep your emergency supplies and medical equipment in an easy to reach location in case you need to access them in the dark.
Preparing for a snow storm might not be second nature to you, but if you follow these steps you’ll be set for safety.
