Winter Weather Safety: Surviving a Snowstorm

For most of the country, winter is synonymous with cold temperatures and snow. But, although winter can charm us with magical landscapes, it can also bring out the worst of Mother Nature. Some snowstorms last for days on end causing major problems to those who are not prepared. For example, a severe winter storm can knock out the power and heat in your home or leave you stranded in your car. Check out the preparedness tips below to learn how to survive a blizzard with minimal damage and injuries.

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm

Emergency Kit — Add these survival items to your emergency kits and for traction, snow shovels, salt or sand to melt ice, heating fuel (such as dry wood if you have a fireplace) and extra clothing and blankets. Also, include a NOAA Weather Radio to listen to blizzard alerts.
Family Communications Plan — Establish a family communications plan to know what to do during a winter storm in case you get separated. Plan how to contact each other, how to get together, and where to meet. Protecting Pets — Be ready to protect your pets during cold weather. Have your pets micro-chipped and tagged to help find them if they run away. Bring companions inside and move livestock and other animals to sheltered areas.
Safety while Traveling — Don’t travel if a blizzard is likely to occur. If you must travel by car, bring an emergency kit with you.
Vehicle Safety — Have your vehicle checked to ensure it can resist harsh winter weather. Check the brakes, battery and ignition system, antifreeze levels, heater, exhaust system, and lights. Also, don’t forget to install good winter tires.
House Protection — Insulate walls and attics, weather-strip windows and doors and install storm windows. Check and repair roof leaks and trim the trees in your yard.
Protecting Pipes — Prevent pipes from freezing by insulating them with special insulation products or even newspapers. Allow the faucets to drip a little to help prevent frozen pipes.

During and After a Winter Storm:

• Stay Informed — Stay tuned to your local news for updated information on the blizzard. If you’re driving, get details on the road conditions.
• Remain Inside — Don’t go outside in the storm, but if it’s necessary, walk carefully on snowy or icy paths. Wear appropriate clothing: layers of lightweight clothes, water repellent outer wear, a hat, mittens, and a scarf.
• Safety During Blackouts — Power outages are a common hazard during winter storms. If a blackout occurs, unplug all appliances to protect them from power surges and leave only one light turned on. Also, help maintain refrigerated and frozen foods by opening the doors to your fridge as little as possible.
• Carbon Monoxide Safety — Be cautious when using burners to reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Vent fuel burning equipment to the outside and have fire extinguishers close by. Never use a generator, grill or other gasoline / charcoal burner indoors.
• House Electricity If you lost power because of the storm, consider going to a designated public shelter. Be aware of frostbite and hypothermia risks when going outside. Also, stay away from downed utility wires and always assume a downed power line is live.
• Snow Shoveling — If you’re shoveling snow, avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling snow are the leading cause of deaths during the winter. Take breaks and lift smaller loads. Change wet clothes right away to prevent loss of body heat.
• Frostbite — In cases of cold temperature exposure, prevent frostbite by covering exposed skin. If you think you have frostbite, do not rub the affected area. If you’ve lost feeling in extremities, such as fingers and toes, seek shelter and medical help.
• Hypothermia — Hypothermia is another danger when exposed to low temperatures. Symptoms include drowsiness, shivering, incoherence and memory loss. People who are experiencing hypothermia must be warmed up immediately and treated by a doctor.

Be prepared and stay safe this winter! However, in case your home suffered property damage after a winter storm, we are here to help. Our local PuroClean of Massapequa stands ready to provide professional restoration services to any
property affected by fire, water or mold damage.