Winter storms pose many threats to property. To reduce liability risks and mitigate losses during a winter storm event, proactive preparation for pre-winter storm preparation should be made prior to its occurrence.
Be prepared for power outages by creating an emergency kit with provisions to last several days and keeping a battery-powered radio handy for local emergency updates.
Prepare Before the Storm
Serious winter weather brings cold temperatures, ice and snowfall along with power outages, communication problems and road closures that increase your risk for car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks due to overexertion.
Before the winter storms hit, make sure your furnace, pipes and roof are in tiptop shape. Additionally, consider hiring a professional tree trimmer to trim any trees that could fall during a storm, and get wood stoves or fireplaces inspected and serviced accordingly.
Be prepared by stockpiling blankets, water, nonperishable food and pet supplies at home and stocking your car with snow chains, shovels, an ice scraper, flashlight and jumper cables. Monitor local radio and television for updates and sign up for smartphone weather alerts so you know when a storm is brewing; also subscribe to smartphone weather alerts on smartphones to stay aware. Remember a Blizzard Warning indicates life-threatening conditions will exist with winds of 35mph or greater and blinding snow reducing visibility below 1/4 mile for three or more hours – monitor updates as well!
Be Prepared When the Storm Arrives
Winter storms present hazardous driving conditions, can result in power outages and can close schools and businesses, while also increasing the risk of frostbite, hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Winter Storm Watches are issued when inclement winter weather (snowfall, ice accumulation or wind) is anticipated within two days and should be closely watched by local news reports and the forecast. To stay aware of impending danger it is wise to monitor local news updates as well as monitor the forecast closely.
Before winter storms arrive, it’s advisable to prepare both your home and car by insulating water pipes, filling your tank with non-perishable food items, gathering blankets and creating an emergency kit with road flares, jumper cables, ice scrapers, road maps, cell phone chargers, bottled water, warm clothes, hats gloves and first aid supplies. In case an evacuation order occurs, having a plan in place could save lives; such plans could include visiting friends/relatives homes/hotels or shelters
Be Prepared During the Storm
An unexpected winter storm puts everyone at risk, including car accidents, hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning and other cold temperature-related medical emergencies. To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial to have an organized winter storm preparedness plan in place that covers every step from when the snowstorm warning hits until post-recovery takes place.
Create an emergency supply kit containing at least two-day’s worth of food and water, blankets, flashlights lanterns, extra batteries and first aid supplies such as medication (prescribed or not), first aid supplies as well as baby or pet supplies as necessary for your family.
Pay attention to local TV and radio stations for updates about an impending winter storm, especially school or workplace closures, State of Emergency notifications and the National Weather Service forecasts and advisories. Familiarize yourself with NWS terms like Winter Storm Outlook, Watch and Warning so that you are prepared when an imminent storm threatens.
Be Prepared After the Storm
Winter storms can bring with them widespread power outages that shut off heat, power and communications for days at a time. Furthermore, they can be devastating in terms of injuries sustained in traffic accidents on icy roads as well as hypothermia cases.
Learn the difference between a watch and a warning issued by the National Weather Service. A Winter Storm Watch indicates adverse winter weather is possible within 48 hours, while hazardous winter conditions are already occurring or imminently forecast by this service.
Stay abreast of storm developments by staying tuned into local radio, TV and social media accounts (like HSEMA or AlertDC). Also ensure your car has enough gas, as well as an emergency kit containing blankets, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, maps, jumper cables, ice scrapers chains and flashlights.
Plan ahead for what would happen during a power outage, check in with neighbors who might require assistance, shut off propane tanks and use fireplaces and wood stoves with extreme caution to avoid fires.