Preparing For A Nor’easter
Winter storms can be beautiful to watch while you are staring out your window from a nice warm home with a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite Netflix show streaming on your television but are you prepared if things go wrong?
Below we outline a few helpful tips to get you through the up and coming storm.
BEFORE THE STORM
Preparation is key to riding out a storm that may limit your travel, create a loss of power and limit communication.
- Be well informed – Sign up for local alerts and warnings.
- Create an Emergency Plan should you lose power for an extended period of time.
- Stock up on Emergency Supplies and batteries for items like flashlights, carbon monoxide detectors, etc.
- Be sure to have a few days worth of any mandatory prescription medications.
- Stock up on bottled water and food items that you will not need to cook.
- Gather warm clothes and blankets as well as waterproof clothing like boots, gloves, pants and jacket.
- Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.
DURING THE STORM
Most injuries and dangers from a winter storm can be avoided by simply staying put and being prepared with all the supplies needed to ride out the storm.
- Stay off the road – Only travel when it is absolutely necessary.
- Don’t over-exert yourself when shoveling snow.
- Dress for the occasion if you should need to leave the comfort of your home.
PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY
- Removing the weight of heavy snow from your roof can prevent a roof collapse but should only be done carefully. Never step directly onto the roof in order to remove the snow. Use a snow removal roof rake instead.
- Heat your homes safely. Make sure that nothing flammable is next to portable heaters and never leave an open flame or fireplace unattended.
- As snow begins to melt, ice dams can occur on your roof and create major damage to your home.
