Top 15 Tips for Winter Storm Prep
With Winter conditions effecting most areas, here are a few suggestions that will help with your Winter Storm Prep.
Car Safety
There are at least 10 Things to Keep in Your Car that will help you prep for a winter storm. But before you travel, be sure you have a full tank of gas!
- Blankets – At least 1 per person and large enough to completely wrap yourself.
- Hand Warmers – When you need the extra warmth.
- Extra Winter Clothes – Layers are key. The more you can put on, the warmer you’ll be.
- Flares – Will help rescuers find you especially during a blizzard or white out.
- Flashlight and Extra Batteries – This is basic winter storm prep, but we often forget the extra batteries.
- First Aid Kit – You can pick up a simple one at a home improvement or local pharmacy. This will help if any passenger is hurt in an accident.
- Ice Scraper and Shovel – Even if you’re not in a traditionally cold region, keeping an ice scraper on hand will help when temperatures dip below freezing. You may even want a small shovel to dig your way out of a tight spot.
- Cat Litter or Bag of Sand – Cheap, dollar store cat litter is just as effective. When stuck, spread near the tires. You’ll find it helps to build traction if you’re stuck in the road.
- Food – Keep a bag of different dried foods in your car, such as granola or energy bars, beef or turkey jerky, nuts and/ or peanut butter. You’ll need the energy and nourishment just in case you get stuck for a while. A small package of plastic utensils are great too. Don’t store liquids as they could explode if it gets too cold. But before each trip, especially a long trip, remember to bring at least a bottle of water per person in the car.
- Cell Phone and Extra Battery – Keep your phone charged while driving. This will ensure you have a full charge just in case you find yourself stuck. You can also purchase an extra battery, be sure it’s fully charged, and keep it in your car for emergencies.
Outdoor / Deck Safety
Winter Storm Prep also means preparing the outdoor area of your home for intense weather conditions. Here are DeckMAX’s Top 5 tips for Outdoor and Deck Safety:
- Furniture – Remove or remove outdoor furniture to one corner or side; or if you have a shed or basement, put them there. As the winds kick up, you don’t want to chase deck furniture around the yard or your neighbor’s yard. And you definitely don’t want the liability of any damage.
- Remove Rugs – You don’t need mats, rugs, or anything else during the winter. It’ll just bring mold and mildew to your deck once the weather starts to change.
- Lighting – Make sure that your outdoor area is properly lit. A quick trick we learned was to tie solar stakes to your deck railing or insert them into empty planters. This is especially helpful for the front porch.
- Salt – Be sure to properly de-ice your walkways and driveway. Keep a clear path to your home in case of an emergency.
- House Number Sign – A simple Winter Storm Prep is to put your house number in large bright colors like red or neon and hang it in the inside of your front window. This helps local authorities like fire and ambulance companies find your home in case of an emergency.
Sage Winter Storm Prep advice…
- If you find that you’re stuck on the road, or have been in an accident, remember to stay calm and take a few deep breaths. Call 9-1-1 and await for further instruction.
- Purchase road safety insurance (ask your provider) or a service like AAA. With just the first use, it’ll pay for itself!
Being prepared is half the battle. We hope these tips help you during your Winter Storm Prep. Please share this with your family and friends!
~ DeckMAX
