With these winter months comes extreme cold, snow, and icy weather. Preparing for winter storm weather, staying warm and traveling safely can be a challenge. Winter storms can also bring power failures or loss of communication services. To keep you and your family safe, you should heed these tips to make sure you’re prepared before, during, and after a winter storm hits. Prioritizing your safety preparedness doesn’t just help you, but helps minimize risks to those around you as well.
Preparing For Winter Storm Weather: Tips to Weather Proof Your Home
According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following tips can help you safeguard your home for the extreme conditions it’s sure to face during wintertime.
- Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home and make sure the batteries are working by using the test button.
- Have your chimney or flue inspected every year.
- Never leave lit candles or other flames unattended.
- Bring your pets indoors as temperatures drop.
- Insulate walls and attic; control drafts from windows and doors.
- Dress warmly and limit exposure to the cold to prevent frostbite; avoid getting wet to prevent hypothermia.
Preparing For Winter Storm Weather: Prepping Your Car
To begin preparing best for winter weather, it’s recommended to do the following every fall in addition to regular maintenance service recommended by the manufacturer:
- Have the radiator system serviced or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester and add any required antifreeze.
- Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture to avoid the mixture from freezing to your windshield and obstructing your view.
- Make sure the tires on your car have adequate tread and air pressure. Replace any worn tires and fill low tires with air to the proper pressure recommended for your car (typically between 30-35 psi).
- Keep your gas tank between 3/4 full to full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
- Overall, don’t skip on routine maintenance and make sure it’s in good order. This includes: the heater, defroster, brakes, brake fluid, ignition, emergency flashers, exhaust, oil, and battery.
Preparing For Winter Storm Weather: Create A Car Emergency Kit
If possible, it’s always best to avoid traveling in poor winter weather conditions, such as extreme cold, icy streets, sleet or snow. If you live in an area with county weather advisories or levels, such as Lucas County in Ohio, be sure to check them before planning travel.
If travel is absolutely necessary, it’s recommended to keep the following items in your car to form an emergency kit:
- Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries
- Items to stay warm such as extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets
- Windshield scraper and shovel
- Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Water and snack food
- First aid kit with any necessary medications and a pocket knife
- Tow chains or rope
- Tire chains
- Canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
- Cat litter or sand to help tires get traction, or road salt to melt ice
- Booster cables with fully charged battery or jumper cables
- Hazard or other reflectors
- Bright colored flag or help signs, emergency distress flag, and/or emergency flares
- Road maps
- A can for water to melt snow
Preparing For Winter Storm Weather: Check the Weather Forecast and Check on Loved Ones
Although weather can be unpredictable at times, it’s always best to stay ahead of the game by monitoring the upcoming forecast and making sure you’re stocked with necessary supplies to help you weather the storm. After you’re prepared, remember to check on family members, friends, and/or neighbors that may be in need of a little extra help, such as shoveling, acquiring supplies, or keeping warm.
For support working in extreme winter conditions, contact Cardinal Compliance Consultants.