Winter storm conditions bring a number of hazards with them. Along with large amounts of snow are frigid temperatures, ice, and high winds that have the potential to cause damage, accident, or injury. To stay safe in the event of a severe snowstorm, you’ll want to take some precautions ahead of time. Here are six tips to help you prepare for the arrival of heavy snow so you and your family can stay safe.
1. Stock Your Kitchen
It’s best to plan on staying at home for as long as may be required due to an impending storm’s wrath. This means you’ll want to be sure you have the essentials to keep you alive and comfortable for several days. Stocking your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator will be one of the first steps you take to prepare for a snowstorm.
Buy an adequate supply of water in bottles and jugs as well in case your pipes should burst or freeze. Three gallons for each individual in your home is recommended. You’ll need water to stay hydrated and for hygiene purposes.
2. Obtain Medicine and Hygiene Items
If you’re in danger of being isolated in your home for an unknown period of time, it’s also wise to pick up other needed supplies such as your medication and hygiene items. Head to the pharmacy or call to order necessary medications. Allow time to have them filled.
While you’re at the pharmacy, you probably should pick up any hygiene items you may be running low on such as toothpaste, toilet paper, tissues, feminine supplies, and diapers. You don’t want to have to make an emergency trip to the store in hazardous weather conditions.
3. Create an Emergency Kit
Speaking of emergencies, do you have an emergency kit at home? If not, now’s the time to create one. Your kit should contain items you’ll need if you should have to leave your home in a hurry.
Items to include are:
- First aid kit
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Important documents
- Cash
- Blankets
- Sleeping bags
- Candles and matches
- Garbage bags
- Emergency whistle
- Manual can opener
You’ll also want a suitcase or bag to stow everything in so that you can grab your kit on the way out the door.
4. Gather Your Snow and Ice Removal Supplies
Perform an assessment to determine whether you have the snow removal supplies you’ll need. Shovels, ice melt, gloves, hat, and scarf are essentials. You might also need a good set of tools or even want to consider snowshoes for sale to be ready for any scenario. You never know whether you’ll need to manually turn off your utilities or hike off in search of assistance.
5. Prepare Your Home
There are some steps you’ll want to take to prepare your home for a period of hunkering down. Charge electronics ahead of time so you can use them in the event of a blackout. If you can afford it, a generator is a wise investment.
To prevent frozen pipes, allow the faucets to drip slightly and open the cabinet doors to allow heat to flow through. Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, too, just to be safe.
6. Stay Connected
Finally, staying connected in the event of a weather emergency is essential. Check online or listen to your radio often for the latest weather reports. Work with your family ahead of time to create a communication plan for staying in touch. Have a designated person from out of town check in occasionally and act as a contact point in case individuals should get separated.
Create a list of local emergency shelters as well. Know how you can transport yourself and your family to a safe shelter if you do need to leave your home, though you’ll want to do all you can to stay put to avoid treacherous road travel.
Bottom Line
Taking these steps to make sure you’re prepared for the arrival of a snowstorm can keep you and your loved ones safe. It can also provide peace of mind during a stressful time.
