What Should You Do Before A Winter Storm?

Winter storms are sometimes terrible and tough to handle. Do you know what preventive measurements should be considered for a bad winter storm?

Well, almost every one of us has to deal with dangerously cold temperatures at some point in our lives. Traveling to a snowy area is possible if you know how to protect yourself from the extreme cold.

Electricity, heat, and communication can all be cut off by a winter storm, one of the most dangerous situations. This could be on for days if there is a severe storm. Make sure you have the best safety plans before any winter storm comes.

Plan for the worst-case situation, and you’ll be better prepared to face any winter storms that could come your way. Moreover, if the electricity goes out and your house is too cold to live in, you should also have an escape route and a destination in mind.

Take these measures to be ready before the storm arrives, and you’ll be glad you did.

When Did A Winter Storm Consider A Threat?

It is possible to get four different winter storm warnings from various media outlets. It’s critical to know the distinction between these terms. The Red Cross provides these definitions:

Winter Weather Advisory:

Winter weather conditions are predicted to create significant disruptions and can be dangerous. These scenarios shouldn’t be life-threatening if they’re handled with care.

Winter Storm Warning:

Within the next 24 hours, life-threatening, severe winter conditions are expected to begin or have already occurred. People in a danger zone should promptly take safeguards.

Winter Storm Watch:

Within the following 36 to 48 hours, a winter storm is predicted. People who live in an area under a winter storm watch should revise their preparations and keep up to date on the newest weather conditions.

Winter Storm Outlook:

Within the following two to five days, the possibility of a winter storm exists.

Preparing For A Blizzard: What You Should Do Before It Hits

In the case of a blizzard, you should take the following precautions.

Fill Your Pantry With Food

Are you worried about what to buy for snow storm? When a winter storm threatens, it’s critical to have enough food on hand to keep you warm and prevent you from having to go outside during that time. If you lose electricity, you won’t have to worry about your food decaying since your pantry should be stocked with many non-perishables.

It is suggested that you stock up with food for at least three days worth of consumption at any time. Crackers, granola bars, canned goods, soups, hot chocolate and instant coffee, peanut butter, honey, bread, and grains are all fantastic pre-storm items to keep on hand (such as barley, rice, or oats).

Remember to stock up on non-perishable fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits (such as grapefruit), apples, and bananas, too. Elderly and sick persons can benefit from canned dietetic meals, juices, and soups. Do not forget to get food for your pet if you have one.

Water

The CDC suggests keeping three days’ worth of water on hand for each member of your family and each pet. According to FEMA, at least one gallon of water should be stored for each member of your family each day.

Officials believe the safest and most dependable water source is professionally produced, unopened bottles. If you’re using bottled water, verify the expiry date. Ensure you have enough bottled water on hand if your pipes burst, preventing you from getting any water from the tap.

It’s possible that if your pipes are frozen, you’ll need water for everything from cleaning your teeth to flushing the toilet. It’s also a good idea to stockpile water in the bathtub and other water-holding containers.

Protect Your House From The Storms

Take care to insulate your house appropriately. Keep chilly air out of your home by caulking and weather-stripping your doors and windows. Install storm windows or cover your windows with a sheet of plastic to keep the cold air out of your house.

Your water supply is less prone to freeze if you insulate any pipes that go outside. In the event of a storm, you should fix any leaky roofs and trim any trees that can fall on your house or other buildings. A yearly chimney or flue inspection is required if you plan to utilize a winter survival shelter with a fireplace as an emergency heating source.

Install A Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Detector And A Smoke Detector

Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke should be installed near any fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater that will be used. Once every two years, it’s recommended that you replace your battery and check them every month.

A dry-chemical, multi-purpose fire extinguisher should always be kept handy. All fuel-burning appliances must be vented to the outdoors. Your furnace and vents have checked out by a certified technician every winter season to guarantee they are working correctly.

Schedule Interactive Conversations With Your Family

You can not always use your mobile phone during the storm. So ensure you and your family have a great plan in place to communicate in the event of an emergency. If you get separated from the rest of your family, make sure you have their phone numbers and an out-of-town contact to assist you in reconnecting.

The following questions and their respective answers should be part of your strategy: When and where will each of you get in touch? Do you keep track of everyone’s phone number on your phone, or do you have to write it down?

If you aren’t together when the storm strikes, how will you be able to get back together? Do you have a regular location for your team to meet?

Have A Different Method Of Cooking

A portable “camp stove” is an excellent solution for short-term crises. Another option is a butane burner, which can be used safely inside. Ensure that you have adequate fuel for whatever you decide to do. Carbon poisoning can be avoided by cooking in a well-ventilated garage (such as with the door open.)

Prepare Emergency Kits

You should have an emergency kit on standby and know how to prepare swiftly for a winter storm in the event of a freeze. Pet food and water, a battery-operated radio, and other essentials should be included in your emergency pack. As protection, make sure you have enough blankets, sleeping bags, and other warm gear on hand.

Insulate Your Home’s Exterior Doors And Windows

There could be breezes coming in from the outside when the windows and doors are not correctly sealed. You can get an insulation kit at any hardware shop to seal any windows you can have.

You can also get weather stripping for your front door at the shop. Insulated blinds can also be purchased as a winter necessities for home to keep the air warm.

Get Your Vehicles Ready

Make sure to have your car serviced as recommended by the manufacturer. In addition, do the following in the fall:

Replace the windshield wiper fluid with a wintertime combination.
Fuel lines and the tank can freeze if the tank is almost empty.
Keep an eye on your car’s tires’ tread depth and air pressure to ensure safe driving. Your car’s manufacturer recommends that you replace any worn tires and maintain the correct tire pressure (typically between 30-35 psi).
A professional can check antifreeze levels or use an antifreeze tester at home. Antifreeze can be added as necessary.
Maintain the mechanical condition of your vehicle. Inspect the heater, defroster, brakes, and brake fluid (as well as the ignition and emergency flashers), as well as the oil and the battery.

Make Sure You’re Up To Date

NOAA Weather Radio will provide live broadcasts from the National Weather Service (NWS) in dangerous weather. Your local emergency agencies also send you alerts.

Several applications are available to help you prepare for an emergency. In the case of a disaster, apps like FEMA’s “Be Smart” or the American Red Cross App will come in handy.

Caution: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

When any fuel is burnt, carbon monoxide is created. A fuel-burning device in your house could be a source of pollution. Unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning kills 430 people in the United States each year, with more than 20,000 emergency department visits and 4,000 hospitalizations.

Winter is the worst season for these kinds of accidents. Even if your electricity or heating is down and you have to use other ways of cooking, heating, or powering your home, be aware of the hazard.

Many signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include drowsiness, exhaustion, nausea, and headaches. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, here are some tips:

A generator, grill, or camp stove should never be used inside a house or other enclosed space that uses gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if any devices mentioned above are used near doors, windows, or vents.
Every floor of your home should have carbon monoxide alarms installed, as well as on the exterior of your sleeping quarters, to notify you in the event of an increase in carbon monoxide levels.
Inspect, clean, and tune up your home’s central heating system by a licensed specialist.
Be sure to get out of the house as fast as possible if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off.
You should call for aid from a safe area, preferably fresh air, and stay there until help arrives.

FAQs

What is the list of things used in the winter season?

Some of the most essentials for cold weather include:

Smoke Detectors
Fire Extinguishers
Chainsaw
Space Heater
Snow Blower
Generator

What to do in an ice storm?

Keep your windows closed and wear many heavy clothes to stay warm indoors.
Get rid of any unused spaces.
It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when utilizing an alternate heat source and take all necessary precautions to avoid a fire.
Make sure the windows are shut at night.
Wrap towels and rags around doorknobs to block the heat from escaping.

Before an ice storm, should I use salt?

When snow falls, the pre-salted road acts as a barrier, preventing the snow from freezing to the road surface and requiring a lot of effort to remove. As a result, we recommend salting roads before snowfall since it is always more convenient and time-saving than doing it after the fact.

When Stuck in Your Car During a Blizzard, Here’s What to Do?

It’s best to follow these guidelines from The Weather Channel when you’re stranded in a blizzard in your car:

Call for assistance right now!
Prevent the ingestion of carbon monoxide.
Check to see whether you’re able to depart.
Intermittently run the automobile.
Monitor your calorie consumption and water consumption.

Conclusion

Keeping yourself warm and protected during the freezing temperatures and snowstorms is not always easy. Utilize the above-mentioned cold weather safety moment. Ensure that crucial papers, such as insurance policies, social security cards, birth certificates, and passports are easily accessible in case of evacuation. CWP

Community Watch Paper posts:

How To Store Emergency Food

What To Pack For Emergency Evacuation

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