Bundle Up: Winter Storm Safety Tips for Even the Harshest Storms
The Midwest tends to have a handful of wild winter storms in store just to keep us on our toes. While this means sledding, snowfights, and ice skating, it also means low temperatures, ice, and possible accidents. When the weather turns chilly and it’s time to hunker down inside to stay warm, there are a few safety tips for winter storms you can follow to make sure nothing goes wrong.
Home Safety Tips to Prepare for Winter Storms
Cold weather has a way of causing problems around the house. When a severe storm warning flashes on the TV screen, you should run through a quick home checklist to make sure everything is accounted for and prepared for the worst.
Check Your Heating System
We recommend you start by checking your heating system. You’ve likely had it running since the first cold snap hit, but give it a second look just in case. Older homes tend to have poor insulation in some areas, which lead to drafts and poor heat circulation. Your system may not be working optimally either, with some parts of the house not getting any warm air or the heater not even kicking on at all. Make sure the whole house can heat up at a moment’s notice in case the temperatures drop and you get stuck inside.
Shovel Walkways/Driveways
Grab a shovel and start moving snow. It’s not fun, but keeping your walkways and driveway clear of snow and ice prevent accidents and ensure you aren’t trapped inside during emergencies. While you don’t have to shovel during the storm, you should head out when the weather starts to clear a bit to make some progress. If you’re anticipating heavy snowfall, it may be best to go out a few times, if conditions allow, and clear away snow in waves so you don’t have to try and move 10 inches of compacted snow after the storm.
Create an Emergency Kit
Keep an emergency kit on hand in case something happens and you aren’t able to leave the house. This should include flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, candles, a first aid kit, and baby supplies if you have a baby. You should also stock up on food supplies such as canned goods before a big winter storm in case you aren’t able to leave the house for extended periods of time. If power goes out, you’ll have supplies to see in the dark, keep warm, and something to eat until it’s fixed or help arrives.
Candle Safety
While candles are an important part of any winter storm emergency kit, they should be monitored carefully. A stray candle being knocked over can lead to a fire and when you’re stuck in a storm, emergency services can’t get to you in time. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, candles are the second leading cause of house fires across the country each year. Make sure your candles are on a stable surface and have ample supervision.
Smoke Detector Checks
Your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors need fresh batteries. If there is a gas leak or a fire in the middle of the night, during a winter storm, you’ll want to be informed. A sure sign that your detectors are nearly out of power is the constant chirping noise they make. Even if they aren’t making any noises, you should refresh their batteries every six months to ensure they are working optimally.
Spare Power Sources
A phone charger and a spare power source like a solar charger or generator can be the difference between security and danger. If the power goes out, a backup power source will keep the house warm and the lights on long enough for repairs to be made or help to arrive. Similarly, if you encounter an accident and need assistance, a phone charger is indispensable to keep your mobile lifeline powered for emergencies. If the power goes out and you need to charge your phone, an alternative power source like a solar charger or a battery pack can give you the necessary boost to make it through the worst of the severe weather.
Severe Storm Vehicle Preparation
While preparing your home is important, there may come a time when you need to brave the elements to get food or go to work. In that case, you’ll need to prepare your car with some winter storm safety precautions.
Check Your Tires
Check your tires before the storm hits. Cold weather leads to lower pressure, which leads to flat tires. Gauge your tire pressure to see if it’s at acceptable levels and if you have winter weather or all terrain tires, consider changing them out to save you the hassle of getting stuck in the snow later on.
Gas Up Your Car
Keep your vehicle topped off with gas as much as you can, especially if the temperature will be consistently low in the coming days. Gas doesn’t freeze over like other liquids, so it’s a good measure against ice buildup in your engine and fuel lines. This means your car will have an easier time starting even if the weather dips into the negatives.
Create A Cold Weather Emergency Kit
Make sure your car has an emergency cold weather kit. If you leave the house and get stuck on the road, you’ll need a means of keeping yourself safe until help arrives. Your kit should include a blanket, jumper cables, first aid kit, ice scraper, snow brush, sand or salt, phone charger, and spare tires.
Check Your Wiper Fluid
Finally, check your wiper fluid and make sure it’s cold weather capable. If your windshield gets dirty, you don’t want to use wiper fluid that will immediately freeze over. That’s a one-way ticket to ending up on the side of the road, scraping ice off the front of your car.
Local Weather Cold Weather Preparation
Your safety should take top priority in snow storms or severe winter weather situations. Preparation is the key to safely make it through anything winter throws your way and keep your family protected through any outside conditions. If you need any help when the weather gets tricky, contact the Mehlville Fire Protection District so we can assist. Otherwise, stay safe and stay warm.
