Winter brings highly unpredictable weather. People living on the East Coast and in the Midwest are all too familiar with blizzards that wreak havoc on homes and other infrastructure.
Preparation is your best defense against severe weather. Here are some ways to prepare your home for winter storms:
- Keep warm clothing handy for each member of the family – Whether you will weather the storm inside your home or travel to safer areas, it is important that every member of the family is properly bundled. Make sure that your warm clothing is easily accessible in the event that there is a power outage. You do not want to be searching around in the dark for warm attire.
- Listen to news reports – Always listen to the news reports about weather situations in your area. If there is a report of a blizzard, prepare early. Be ready with the basics for survival, as you do not know how long the emergency will last.
- Be ready with heavy blankets – There is always a possibility of a power outage when there is a winter storm, which means that the heater will not work. Staying warm is crucial for survival so make sure that you have plenty of heavy blankets around.
- Keep flashlights, batteries, candles and lighters handy – Try to use flashlights instead of candles if you lose power. Candles are a fire hazard, and a house fire is more destructive during a winter storm because fire trucks may not be able to reach you due to the snowy roads. Use candles only as a backup if your flashlights run out of batteries or malfunction.
- Charge your cell phones before the winter storm – You must have a means to communicate during the storm, but you can’t charge your cell phone if there is no power. Keep several fully charged power banks that will keep your cell phones in use for an extended period. Use cell phones sparingly during a winter storm in order to conserve battery power.
- Stock up on non-perishable goods – Keep a good stock of non-perishable foods that will last for several days. Canned goods are a great idea. So is fresh fruit that doesn’t require refrigeration. Do not forget to stock up on bottled water.
Being prepared for a winter storm will ensure safety and comfort for your family. Call the Utah disaster cleanup specialists to put your home back in order after a winter storm.
