Survival 5 useful Tips for When a Winter Storm Warning Is Issued

What to Do When You Hear a Winter Storm Warning

When you hear a winter storm warning, here are a few steps you should take:

1. Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and warnings, and be sure to have a way to receive emergency alerts.
2. Follow any evacuation orders: If authorities advise you to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
3. Secure your home: Bring in any loose outdoor items that could be blown away or damaged by the storm, and make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked.
4. Stay indoors: Avoid traveling if possible, as roads may be icy and dangerous.
5. Keep warm: Dress in warm, layered clothing and have extra blankets on hand in case of power outages.
6. Keep emergency supplies nearby: Make sure you have a basic emergency kit ready with items such as flashlights, batteries, candles, and a portable radio to stay informed of weather updates.
7. Check on neighbors: Make sure they are prepared, and offer to help if they need it.
8. Be aware of the signs of hypothermia and frostbite, and seek medical attention if you or someone you know is showing signs of these conditions.
9. Be prepared to lose power: Have backup heat sources, charging devices, and food that doesn’t need to be cooked.

Things to Prepare Before the Storm

Here are a few things you should prepare before a winter storm:

1. Stock up on essentials: Make sure you have enough food, water, and other essentials to last a few days in case you lose power or are unable to leave your home.
2. Gather emergency supplies: Have a basic emergency kit ready with items such as flashlights, batteries, candles, and a portable radio to stay informed of weather updates.
3. Protect your home: Clear gutters and downspouts, and make sure any trees or branches near your home are trimmed to prevent damage from heavy snow or ice.
4. Insulate your home: Seal any leaks or drafts around windows and doors to help keep warm air inside.
5. Prepare your vehicle: Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas, good tires, and a working battery in case you need to leave in an emergency.
6. Have an emergency plan: Make sure you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency, and make sure you have a way to contact each other if you get separated.
7. Check on your neighbors: Make sure they are prepared, and offer to help if they need it.
8. Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and warnings, and be sure to have a way to receive emergency alerts.

Basic Supplies Needed for Winter Storms

Here are some basic supplies you should have on hand in case of a winter storm:

1. Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items such as canned goods, granola bars, and dried fruit.
2. Water: A supply of clean drinking water, enough for at least three days.
3. Warm clothing: Multiple layers of warm clothing, including a waterproof outer layer, to protect yourself from the cold and wet.
4. Blankets: Extra blankets to keep warm in case of power outages.
5. Flashlights and extra batteries: In case of power outages.
6. First aid kit: Including essentials such as bandages, pain relievers, and a thermometer
7. Hand-crank or battery-powered radio: to stay informed of weather updates and other important information.
8. Emergency contact numbers: Have a list of emergency contact numbers, including family members, friends, and local emergency services.
9. Fire extinguisher and smoke detector
10. backup heat source: such as a fireplace, wood stove, or portable heater.
11. rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to melt snow and ice on walkway and stairs
12. shovel and snow scraper to remove snow and ice from your car and driveway.

It’s always best to be prepared before the storm hits. Having these supplies on hand will help ensure that you and your family are safe and comfortable during a winter storm.

Best Sctrategies for Staying Warm and Safe

Here are some strategies for staying warm and safe during a winter storm:

1. Dress warmly: Wear multiple layers of warm clothing, including a waterproof outer layer, to protect yourself from the cold and wet. Wear a hat, gloves and a scarf to keep your head, hands and neck warm.
2. Keep your home insulated: Seal any leaks or drafts around windows and doors to help keep warm air inside. Use heavy curtains or blankets to cover windows at night to keep the cold out.
3. Have a backup heat source: Have a backup heat source such as a fireplace, wood stove, or portable heater in case of a power outage. If you are using a portable heater, make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Stay active: Do some light exercises or stretches to keep your blood flowing and generate heat.
5. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to help maintain a healthy body temperature.
6. Check on neighbors: Make sure they are safe, and offer to help if they need it.
7. Be aware of the signs of hypothermia and frostbite, and seek medical attention if you or someone you know is showing signs of these conditions.
8. Make sure to have an emergency plan and communication system in place with your family or housemates, in case of an emergency.
9. Keep your phone charged and have a backup charger, in case of power outage.
10. Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and warnings, and be sure to have a way to receive emergency alerts.

How to Secure Your Home During a Winter Storm

Here are some steps you can take to secure your home during a winter storm:

1. Seal windows and doors: Check for drafts around windows and doors, and use weather stripping or caulking to seal any leaks.
2. Insulate pipes: Insulate any exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
3. Clear gutters and downspouts: Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris so that they can effectively channel water away from your home.
4. Trim trees and branches: Trim any trees or branches that are close to your home to prevent them from falling and causing damage.
5. Secure loose outdoor items: Bring in any loose outdoor items that could be blown away or damaged by the storm.
6. Install storm shutters: If you live in an area that is prone to severe storms, consider installing storm shutters to protect your windows.
7. Have a generator ready: If you lose power, a generator can help keep essential systems running, such as heating and lighting.
8. Have a plan for emergency exits and meeting place, in case of power outages or blocked entrances.
9. Be prepared to lose power: Have backup heat sources, charging devices, and food that doesn’t need to be cooked.
10. Keep your phone charged and have a backup charger, in case of power outage.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your home and reduce the risk of damage during a winter storm

What to Do After a Winter Storm Passes

Here are some steps you should take after a winter storm passes:

1. Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and any new warning, and be sure to have a way to receive emergency alerts.
2. Check for damage: Carefully inspect your home and property for any damage caused by the storm, and take photos of any damage for insurance purposes.
3. Check on neighbors: Make sure they are safe, and offer to help if they need it.
4. Stay warm: Keep warm by dressing in multiple layers of warm clothing, and using blankets or extra layers.
5. Clear snow and ice: Clear snow and ice from walkways, steps, and driveways to prevent slips and falls.
6. Be aware of potential hazards: Be aware of potential hazards such as fallen power lines or gas leaks, and stay away from them.
7. Check your utilities: Check that your utilities are working properly, and contact your utility company if you have any problems.
8. Help dig out: Help your community dig out, if you are able.
9. Be prepared for power outages: Have backup heat sources, charging devices, and food that doesn’t need to be cooked.
10. Take care of yourself and your loved ones: Make sure that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy, and seek medical attention if you have any injuries or health problems.

It’s important to be cautious and stay informed even after the storm has passed as sometimes there are still risks and hazards that may appear, such as heavy winds, ice and snow on road, and possible power outages.