Extreme weather events are never a pleasant occurrence. When Mother Nature rears her ugly head, it can spell disaster for your schedule, your vehicle, your home, and your business. In worst case scenarios, a disaster can also be life threatening. With the winter months upon us, winter weather has once again followed. Some parts of the world certainly have harsher winters than other, but in all of them, a sudden snowstorm can have severe repercussions. So what do you do?
How Does This Happen?
Usually, snowstorms are caused by rising moist air inside of a low pressure area. The low pressure area will push the moist air up and over cold air, causing a weather event. Depending on the temperature of the air and the low pressure area, the event will either cause rain or snow to fall. Multiple factors(size of low pressure area, wind speeds, etc) will determine the length of the storm and the amount of precipitation which falls.
Now that that’s out of the way, here are some tangible steps to prepare!
Consider a Backup Generator
If the power goes out, especially in the cold, an inconvenience can become a real concern rapidly. Anyone with health issues, children, or in remote areas will suddenly find themselves facing dropping temperatures, and inability to leave(due to the snow), and at the mercy of nature and emergency services.You give yourself peace of mind when you install a generator. You also remove strain from emergency services, both private and governmental.
Stock Your Shelves
Whenever considering sheltering in place, food and water have to be at the top of your considerations. Make sure you have all the basics of food needs stored in your home. You should also have water stored, even if you just have some cases of water bottles in your basement. If your pipes freeze, getting water may become a problem. If you want to take an additional step, you can have freeze-dried foods, many of which come in emergency preparedness kits.
Many people who prepare will make sure to have all the basics. What is often forgotten, however, are snacks and little niceties. If you have a power outage for three days, but you have a generator installed and all your favorite comfort foods, the time can be transformed from a disaster to a pleasant mini-vacation.
Have Additional Heat Sources
Even with a generator, having additional ways to make heat is a good idea. Your options here vary. Portable space heaters, wood for your fireplace, or fire starting tools are a good addition to your preparedness supplies.
Prepare Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive costs associated with winter storms. If you have pipes running through uninsulated parts of your house, turn them on to a minimum trickle. Moving water, even if only a small trickle, is much less likely to freeze.
Ready Your Car
Do everything you can to prepare your vehicle. In the event of an emergency, even if it’s not preferable, you’ll want the option to leave your home if you can.
