Winter Storm Safety Tips for Homeowners

Snow season is upon us! As we adapt to the cold temperatures, we often don’t realize how much of an impact a winter storm can have on our lives until one arrives.

A winter storm can cause significant damage and disrupt our daily routines. It may become a blizzard, usually accompanied by wind-driven and freezing temperatures.

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During a blizzard, blackouts are relatively common, so preparing for one before it heads your way can make a world of difference.

Typically, a winter storm warning is issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, freezing rain, or sleet is imminent or occurring. Driving during these conditions is especially risky. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), weather-related crashes cause more than 6,000 deaths and 480,000 injuries yearly. With your safety in mind, we’ve gathered some tips, so your winter storm preparation isn’t iced out, pun intended. 

Before a Winter Storm Blackout | Winter Storm Safety Tips

You never know when a winter weather advisory will hit, so it is essential to be prepared! 

• Insulate your windows and doors. Cover windows with plastic from the inside or install storm windows, caulk, and weather-strip doors to keep the extreme, cold air out.
• Have heating equipment and fuel ready. Have an alternative solution available, such as a gas fireplace, wood fireplace, or wood-burning stove. Exercise caution when using wood or gas-burning appliances and ensure the room is well-ventilated and equipped with a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. Be sure to stock up on sufficient heating fuel, too.
• Prepare your pipes. Cover the lines with insulation to prevent them from freezing. Alternatively, wrap them in layers of newspapers and cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture. Allow a trickle of water to run from faucets; this helps prevent pipes from freezing. When pipes freeze, they can burst, causing significant water damage. If this happens, ensure you know where the main water valve is and how to shut it off.

• Charge your phone and other devices. Keep your phone charged in case of an emergency, and have a couple of portable chargers on hand to keep it powered for as long as needed. Additionally, you can use your car’s power source to charge your phone or other devices if necessary.
• Back up essential computer files. Back up important documents, photos, videos, and other files on a CD, USB flash drive, or cloud service in case of a power outage.
• Create an emergency supply kit containing at least the following items:
  • Water for drinking and sanitation to last at least three days; one gallon of water per person per day is a rule of thumb.
  • Non-perishable food to last at least three days; avoid food that makes you thirsty.
  • A flashlight with extra batteries.
  • A first aid kit including prescription medication, scissors, tweezers, cloth tape, antibiotic ointment, adhesive bandages, non-latex gloves, etc.
  • A hand crank or battery-powered radio, as well as extra batteries. Tune in to the NOAA radio station for weather updates.
  • Copies of personal documents (proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, etc.)
  • Baby supplies like bottles, formula, baby food, diapers, etc.
  • Pet supplies such as a collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl, etc.
  • Extra clothing, such as coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots, and extra blankets.

Following these winter storm safety tips, you’ll stay safe and secure while weathering the storm. 

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During a Winter Storm Blackout | Winter Storm Safety Tips

During the winter season, stay safe by staying warm and monitoring any appliances powered by a generator. 

• Don’t run your generator inside your home. Keep your generator outdoors to power appliances like the fridge or kerosene heater. Never run the generator inside your home or garage, as this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Run it in a well-ventilated place and away from doors, windows, and vents that could allow gas to come indoors. 
• Seal off rooms that you don’t plan to use. Close doors and windows in rooms not being used, and seal off fireplaces and vents to prevent heat from escaping. This helps keep the warmer air inside the house for as long as possible.
• Unplug appliances to prevent power surges from destroying them. Also, keep one light on in your home to know when the power has returned. 

• Stay warm by minimizing your exposure to the cold. Try to stay in one room, preferably in an area with insulation or windows covered with plastic from the inside; this will help keep out drafts. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart, so reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.
• Dress warmly. Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, a hat, mittens, and a scarf to maintain your body heat. Watch for signs of frostbite (loss of feeling and a pale appearance in the extremities such as fingers and toes) and hypothermia (shivering and memory loss).
• Open refrigerator doors as little as possible to slow the spoilage of refrigerated and frozen foods. Place plastic containers filled with cold water inside the fridge if you need water. Have a cooler as a backup for keeping essential items cold, such as medication.

No matter what happens during a winter storm, be sure to stay informed, prepared, and remain calm. With proper preparation, you’ll be able to survive the storm and come out stronger on the other side. 

After a Winter Storm Blackout

Once the storm has passed, you’re not out of the woods yet! It’s still critical to remain on high alert.

• Check your home for any damage and make repairs as needed. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve immediately and contact your utility company. Beware of any downed power lines in your area, and don’t attempt to move them; wait for your electric company.
• Check your food supply.  Discard any canned or perishable items that may have spoiled during the blackout. If you’re still without power, contact your local utility company for an estimated time when power will be restored. Be aware that flooding may occur depending on the storm’s severity.
• If you have to drive, do so carefully. Traffic signals may be down, so treat intersections like a four-way stop and drive defensively.

With proper preparation and vigilance, you can ensure your safety during a winter storm blackout and reduce its impact on your home. Remember that being informed and prepared is vital to surviving a blackout. 

Contact PuroClean of Lansdale for Property Damage Restoration

If you experience any property damage due to the winter weather or a winter storm blackout, contact your PuroClean of Lansdale. Our technicians are trained and certified to handle emergencies such as frozen pipes, flooded basements, water damage, and fire damage. We have the experience and the latest technology to restore your home or business quickly and effectively.

For quick emergency response during winter storms, you can contact PuroClean today. Our team is here to help you get back on track as soon as possible, so call us at (267) 834-5900.

Many winter storms last for days on end and can easily cause major problems for those who are not prepared. A winter storm can knock out the power and heat in your home or leave you stranded in your car. So, before a blizzard takes you by surprise, follow the winter storm safety tips below.

Winter Storm Safety Tips — Before the Storm

• Create a home emergency kit. Your winter storm safety kit should last at least three days in case of a power outage or other disaster. Include essential items like water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and first-aid supplies. Add winter-specific items in the kit as well: sand 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.
• Create a disaster preparedness plan. Your winter storm safety plan will help your family know what to do during a winter storm in case you are 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 family emergency contact. Also, be sure to make and practice a fire escape plan.
• Insulate your home. Install storm windows and shutters and insulate your attic and walls to keep the cold air out. Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. Check and repair 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 newspapers. If you’re going away, leave the heat on in your home to a temperature of at least 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 need to evacuate your home, or if a disaster like fire or flooding occurs, you will need to shut off utilities. See our tips to shut off natural gas, electricity, and water supplies in your home.
• Maintain your heating equipment. Have your furnace, wood stove or fireplace inspected and cleaned every year to ensure they’re working properly.
• Be fire-safe. Make sure 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 ready to protect your animals. Bring companions inside and move livestock and other animals to sheltered areas.
• Winterize your car. Although driving through a blizzard is dangerous, you should be prepared for any circumstances. Install winter tires and have your vehicle prepared for severe winter Check the brakes, battery and ignition system, antifreeze levels, heater, exhaust system, and lights. Make an emergency kit for your vehicle that includes at least a flashlight, blanket, snow/ice scraper, and sand or salt. Also, keep the gas tank full to prevent the fuel line from freezing.

Winter Storm Safety Tips — During and After the Storm

It’s important to know what to do during and after a blizzard strikes your area. Having a winter storm safety mindset will help you keep yourself and your loved ones safe during inclement weather. Below, you can find information on how to remain safe during and after a winter storm:

• Drive carefully. If there is a winter storm warning in your area, take precautions immediately. Avoid driving and if you’re already driving, exercise caution. If you must travel by car, bring a disaster supplies kit.
• Don’t go outside in the storm. Yet, if it’s necessary, walk carefully on snowy or icy paths. Wear appropriate clothing: layers of lightweight clothes, water repellent outerwear, a hat, mittens, and a scarf.
• If you’re shoveling snow, avoid overexertion. Take breaks and lift smaller loads. Change wet clothes right away to prevent loss of body heat.
• Prevent 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.
• Prevent hypothermia. This 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.
• Find help if stranded in your car. If you’re stuck on the road in your vehicle, get out and seek help only if a safe location is visible or nearby and have appropriate clothing. Follow the instructions from your local transportation department, to learn the safest route to your home.
• Consider a public shelter. 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.
• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 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. Check that the outside vent is clear of leaves, debris, and snow. Also, never use a generator, grill or other gasoline/charcoal burner indoors.
• Evaluate your preparedness after the storm. When the storm has settled, evaluate your safety preparations and supplies kit. Think about ways you can improve your plan and what you can add to your kit to get through the next winter storm more safely. Share your winter storm safety tips with friends and neighbors.