Preparing for Winter Weather
As winter approaches, are you prepared for the wintry, snowy, and icy mix that may come along with it? If not, you will want to take action right away. The best time to prepare for winter weather is before it strikes.
When it comes to preparing for winter weather, many individuals assume that they have nothing to worry about. Yes, this may be true in some cases, but you never really know. Although winter weather, including wind, snow, and ice, is commonly associated with the north, did you know that the south can also be impacted as well? Although not as common, there have been instances where southern states have received their fair share of snow and ice. Unfortunately, since these weather events are fairly uncommon they are unfamiliar and the possibility of danger always lurks.
When preparing for winter weather, you will want to start with your home. If you live in an area that is prone to cold weather, you will want to take action. This action should involve ensuring that all gaps are closed in your home. This may involve having your windows redone or ensuring that all fans and air conditioners are removed. Also, before turning on your heat, it is important to give everything a quick check. If you have a furnace, you may want to first have it examined by a professional and all electric baseboard heaters should be cleaned before being turned on.
When winter weather, namely snow, does arrive, it is important that you take your roof into consideration. In the event of a snowstorm, it is important to ensure that your roof is able to withstand the weight of all the snow. If not, you will want to safely remove the snow from your roof. If you do not believe that you can safety do so, you will want to call upon a professional. In keeping with the outside of your home, you will also want to have rock salt or ice melt on hand at all times. In the wintertime, especially in the north, you never know when the conditions outside may turn to ice.
As winter approaches, it is also advised that you take a close look at your vehicle. One of the biggest impacts that winter weather has is on travel. If you plan to travel during the wintertime and if you live in an area that is prone to snow and ice, you will want to ensure that your vehicle is winter ready. You will want to ensure that you have the proper tires, as well as an emergency bag. This emergency bag should include a change of clothes, a sweater or sweatshirt, a pair of gloves, a winter hat, scarf, as well as a few snacks. A snowbrush, as well as a small bag of ice melt and a small snow shovel may also a good idea.
What is nice about winter weather is that many meteorologists are able to predict bad weather. This means that if a winter storm approaches, you should have an idea of what to expect, at least in terms of snowfall and ice levels. In the wintertime, it is important that you examine all weather reports, whether you do so online, through your television or the radio. This is particularly important if you are planning a trip or even just for your drive to and from work. In the event that the weather is poor enough to close schools, you may also want to take a close look at your travel plans.
Although winter storms have the biggest impact on travel, it is also important to examine the other consequences of severe wind, snow, or ice. These risks include downed trees and power lines. Since there is a high probability for power loss in a winter storm, you will want to prepare for it. Your preparation steps should include having a large selection of flashlights and batteries or candles on hand. Space heater are also an ideal option, should you lose power. With that in mind, be sure to familiarize yourself with the risks and dangers associated with improper space heater use before using one.
