How to Prepare for Winter Weather
Winter weather preparation is essential to protecting yourself, your family, and your property throughout the cold months of the year. You may want to start with:
- Keeping your vehicle full of gasoline so that its fuel line will not freeze.
- Installing (or inspecting previously installed) storm windows to help insulate your home.
- Having your chimney and heating system inspected and cleaned.
Similarly, if you have not had your roof examined lately, we recommend finding a reputable contractor who can test its integrity.
Other winterizing measures include:
- Weather-stripping your doors
- Cleaning your gutters
- Fixing leaks in your roof
- Insulating your pipes with plastic
- Keeping your electronic devices charged
- Stocking up on supplies (see below)
Additionally, just before the severe winter weather hits, you may want to have all your faucets drip; dripping faucets can keep pipes from freezing. Know how to turn off your water valve as well in case a pipe were to burst.
If a coming storm has the potential to keep you indoors for days, have on hand at least one gallon of water for every person in your household. Also have at least three days’ worth of food that will not spoil. Flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, medications, hygiene products, tools, cash, charged smartphones, shovels, rock salt, and hand-crank radios are essential too.
Discuss storm preparation with your entire family. Everyone should have an emergency contact list and know what to do before, during, and after a storm. It is also wise to download a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app so that you can receive the latest weather alerts and warnings.
Finally, strive to be home before the treacherous winter weather begins and do not neglect to bring all of your pets indoors before the first flakes fall.
Be more prepared for disasters by learning about ALE Solutions’ Disaster Response.
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