5 Ways to Prepare for a Winter Storm

Being prepared is another way of saying being wise.  Being prepared means looking into the future and understanding that some things are out of our control, and having a plan just in case.  We prepare for a lot of things in life.  We prepare dinner knowing we’re going to be hungry in the evening.  We change the oil for road trips and we buy gifts to prepare for holiday events.  Preparation is second nature in some areas of our lives, but are we prepared for dangers in your life?

Here are 5 ways, according to American Red Cross, to prepare your home for a winter storm:

1. Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
2. Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
3. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
4. If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
5. Put together a Supply Kit – first aid kit, hand crank radio, food, water, multi-tool, etc.

Create a Plan

A lot of times people do not prepare for hazardous situations because they believe if they do not think about it maybe it will not happen.  But this year with the El Niño on the way it would be foolish not to have a plan of action when it hits this winter.  Also with most meteorologists claiming that most of the United States will experience more snow than average having your home prepared shows your loved ones that you going to take care of them.  Preparing for a winter storm is not difficult and only takes maybe half a day to shop and create a plan.  When the a winter storm hits the worst thing a person could do is not create a plan and just wing-it.

Responding to a Winter Storm

When the storm hits emotions are high and this is when it is essential to have a plan in place.  The best advice is to stick to your plan and hopefully part of your plan is how to respond while in the winter storm.  Your Winter Storm Plan should layout the things you need during the storm, and it should layout the things you’re going to do while responding to the event.  This line of thinking is like my dads "Family House Fire Plan".  He did not just tell us kids to run out of the house during a fire, he told to run to the mailbox in the front-yard so he could make sure we were safe and not trapped in the backyard.  Planning your response is as important as having a plan of action.  You’ll need to know how to operate all the cool things in your supply kit before the storm hits, and you'll need to make sure your heating equipment is it's best condition. 

There are few things to keep in mind during a winter storm.

• Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Keep the heating thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. You can prevent a much more costly repair job from pipes bursting.
• Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
• Help people who require special assistance such as elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

Winter storms can be very dangerous and we should be preparing for them.  Thanks to technology we can predict when a storm is coming, but that is not the end.  We must prepare for these winter storms and have a well developed plan in place.  Do not be caught in the storm…prepare for it!