Preparing Your Home for Winter Storms
Winter storms can create significant transportation, heating and power disruptions that affect you and your home. Preparing your home before an incoming winter storm hits can reduce damage, save energy and money and protect you and your family’s safety.
Insulating both your house and car is a simple yet effective way to prevent pipes from freezing or bursting and to make life more comfortable in both places. An insulated game bag such as the Argali High Country Pack can be purchased to transport boned bull elk or meat-on-bone deer for transporting.
1. Keep a supply of food and water in your vehicle
Winter weather can create treacherous road conditions during driving conditions that are hazardous for you and other drivers alike. Agencies such as AAA, State Farm and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend you limit travel during periods of poor winter weather conditions.
When traveling by vehicle in snowy and icy roads, know what essential items your vehicle requires in order to stay afloat. Food and water supplies should always be readily available as are tools such as an ice scraper, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries as well as food. Dehydration may set in quickly at subfreezing temperatures so water should always be an integral component.
Blankets, warm clothing and extra socks can all come in handy should you need to spend the night in your car. Nonperishable high-energy foods such as granola bars or peanuts provide both energy and calories during survival situations; an extra battery for your cell phone and radio as well as road salt or cat litter to aid traction are other essential supplies that should not be forgotten in an emergency.
Additionally, winter requires extra items. Your tires might require some sand or cat litter in case of ice buildup; an ice scraper, shovel and chains for driving on high altitude snow may also come in handy. Plus a full tank of gas helps reduce condensation inside your car and make starting it on cold mornings easier; make sure that windshield washer fluid is readily available too; give yourself plenty of time – driving in wintry conditions takes more time to maneuver!
2. Keep a first aid kit in your vehicle
Winter weather can be very hazardous if you become stuck on a road or vehicle, especially if visibility drops and temperatures plummet, creating hazardous driving conditions for those unfamiliar with driving in these conditions. That is why it is crucial that drivers carry an emergency first aid kit just in case.
CDC statistics reveal that only 48% of American households own first aid kits; thus making it even more essential to store one in your vehicle during winter storms. Being prepared with essential gear could save your life should you find yourself trapped inside during an icy or snowstorm!
At the core of any emergency car kit should be three key items: a collapsible shovel, de-icer spray and extra blanket. Collapsible shovels can help clear away snow or ice so you can safely drive out of a ditch, while de-icer spray may come in handy should your windshield become frosty while driving.
If you find yourself stuck in a snowbank or on an icy road, having an emergency car kit with rope and tow strap will enable another vehicle to help tow you out of it quickly and safely. Also having an ice scraper at hand will be great way of quickly clearing off snow from windshields and relieving pressure in case they freeze over.
As part of your emergency kit, it’s also advisable to include an emergency food kit specifically tailored for cars containing snacks and drinks designed to keep you hydrated and fed while waiting for assistance. Other essentials that should be part of an emergency kit include reflective vests and an insulating blanket for warmth and comfort.
3. Keep a fire extinguisher in your vehicle
Winter driving conditions can be hazardous, with slippery or snow-covered roads, poor visibility and lack of road maintenance making travel impossible or challenging at best. An emergency kit containing essential items should be kept in your car at all times during winter driving:
Snow Shovel: For digging out of snowbanks or clearing away snow accumulation from windows or windshields. In addition, compact snow shovels may come in handy for clearing away ice and snow accumulation from windshields and windows. Ice Scraper/Brush Combo Set: Additionally, these tools should help remove snow accumulation on windshields/windows as well as clearing away snow/ice accumulation from windshields/windows; winter-specific wiper replacement should also be considered.
Flashlight: Flashlights can be invaluable tools during a breakdown, serving as both signaling devices and light sources to illuminate your path. Extra batteries should also be kept on hand in case they run down during an incident; furthermore, have an up-to-date map of where you’re traveling in case your GPS fails or becomes nonfunctional; finally a fire extinguisher should always be carried in case a fire breaks out – the ultimate safety item!
While fire can provide warmth, comfort, and morale benefits, it’s essential that it’s built safely. An out of control fire poses significant risks for you and others nearby; furthermore it could damage vehicles or the surrounding environment. If you opt to utilize one for warmth purposes be sure to regularly maintain and adjust it to ensure even burning.
4. Keep a flashlight in your vehicle
An essential item to have in your vehicle all year-round, but especially important during winter. Visibility may drop to near zero due to snowfall, fog or blizzard conditions; having a flashlight allows you to see clearly and work on your car if necessary while also signalling for help if stranded on the side of the road.
Extra clothing in your vehicle can help to prevent hypothermia should you become stranded. A blanket may also come in handy while waiting for help. Ice scrapers and snow brushes are essential items during winter to quickly clear windshields of snow/ice.
Keep a jug of water handy during winter driving conditions, replacing it as needed as temperatures vary. In addition, make sure your vehicle has adequate winter-ready tires and fuel reserves in case a winter storm arises.
Your vehicle should also include a tool kit with jumper cables, first aid supplies and multi-tool. Furthermore, always have shovel and tow straps ready in the event that your vehicle becomes disabled on the road or driveway. Before any snowstorm strikes, inspect tires, wipers and radiator for optimal condition as well as checking to see whether you require tire chains for travel purposes.
5. Keep a blanket in your vehicle
Winter roads can become treacherous, changing driving conditions dramatically and increasing the likelihood of an accident or becoming stuck on them. Being prepared and having an emergency kit on hand could mean the difference between survival and disaster.
An emergency blanket should be part of every car during winter. These blankets feature special foil lining that captures body heat and radiates it back toward you to help keep you warm in harsh environments. They’re lightweight enough for easy storage in vehicles as well as available from online and outdoor stores for less than $10.
As winter sets in, another essential item to keep in your car during this season is a shovel. A shovel designed specifically for winter use will come in handy should you become stranded in your vehicle or need to clear away snow for travel. When purchasing one for this use make sure it comes equipped with collapsible handles so it can easily fit in your trunk when not being used.
Keep a plow or brush handy to help clear away deep snow and ice when necessary, an ice scraper as a last resort, and windshield wiper fluid that will not freeze in cold temperatures.
Winterize your car before the winter weather hits and take the time to regularly inspect and service it. Additionally, it may be wise to keep a first aid kit and emergency supplies handy in case of being stranded or involved in an accident.