It’s the season to be prepared for snowfall. What do you need for a blizzard? Start with a blanket, some batteries, and warm socks. But don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of things to keep in mind. Here are some tips on how to respond to a blizzard.
"What good is the warmth of summer without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?" - John Steinbeck
Emergency Kit
It never hurts to pack a kit beforehand and fill it with valuable items that could be handy in a snowstorm. Winter storm preparedness doesn’t have to be difficult. Just grab the following and put them all in one place so you can find them if you get snowed in. This is especially handy if you lose power.
- Water
- Batteries
- Shovel
- Trail mix
- Granola bars
- Blanket
- Flashlight
- Crank radio
- Medkit
- Tools
- Boots
- Hygiene products
Dress Warm
Layers are crucial. You’ll want to dress warmer in general for the winter, and then maybe add a layer on top for when it’s snowing fiercely out. Winter is definitely fleece weather. You may be asking yourself, “what should someone do if they are caught in a blizzard?” And the answer is usually “stay warm.” So here are some article of clothing that you’ll want to don:
- Thick socks
- Hat
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Long underwear
- Earmuffs
- Big jacket
- Sweater
The Power
Now there’s not really a lot you can do if your power goes out and you don’t have a backup generator installed, which is why it’s important to prepare. So as mentioned before, pack a kit and dress warm. Also keep your cell phones charged beforehand if at all possible. What do you need for a blizzard? Lots of charged batteries and blankets.
Combat the Ice
Another huge issue to fight against is the ice building up around your walkways and pathways. This isn’t just dangerous for you, it’s also a hazard for anyone traveling along the sidewalk. When wondering what to do before a blizzard, try pre-sanding the ground to stop the ice from piling. Be sure to use coarse sand, as anything else won’t provide traction.
Turn Off the Pipes
Another part of winterizing a home and basic homeownership itself is making sure to turn the pipes off. Any exterior pipes should be shut off so they don’t freeze up. While this should be done before winter, this is also a great way to how to prepare for a blizzard at home. It also prevents damage from being caused to your home.
When You Get Caught in Your Car
There are also some tips to keep in mind when getting caught by poor snowy weather in your car. It helps to know how to respond to a blizzard. First off, if you can keep the heat on, do so for as long as possible. Make sure you can contact authorities and family members, especially if your cell phone is low on battery strength. Your situation largely depends on how snowed in your car is vs. how far out you are. So be sure to take precautions when traveling in adverse weather.
Little-Known Hero: The Freeze Alarm
This curious little device is largely unknown to the majority of homeowners. Essentially this device works as a lifeline and can be programmed to call out to three phone numbers when the following criteria are met. Either:
- The house loses power
- The temperature inside the home drop below a certain threshold
Once either of those triggers go off, the freeze alarm will call three already programmed phone numbers from a seperate phone line. This simple little device can come in quite handy in extreme circumstances.
Do you have any winter snow removal tips? What about a checklist for blizzard prepping? Let us know in the comments below!
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Continue Reading:
- 9 Essential Tips To Prepare Your Home For The Winter
- This Winter Checklist Will Get Your Home Ready for the Cold Weather
- How to Winterize Your Yard
- Fighting Winter with Fire