How to keep your family safe when severe weather hits

1/11/2024 (Permalink)

We are getting into the thick of winter and with that comes snowy conditions and dangerously low temperatures. Here are a few tips to help keep you and your family safe and warm this season. 

Being proactive before extreme weather hits your area

• Put together an emergency kit containing water, food, flashlights, and batteries that can sustain the household for at least 3 days
• Space heaters are a handy source to use throughout extreme weather. Please keep in mind the proper procedures when choosing and operating your space heater at home. A heater that has an automatic shut-off setting can help if you forget to turn it off or if the heater itself falls over. Additionally, keeping all mobile heating units at least 3 feet away from curtains, furniture, and blankets is a safe practice. 

Different ways to ensure safety and prevent damage during extreme weather

• Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and window sills to keep the warm air inside.
• Ensure your carbon monoxide and fire detector have fresh and working batteries.
• Have a fire extinguisher easily accessible and ensure every household member knows how to use it. Harsh temperatures encourage the use of space heaters, house fires are easily started when the proper safety measures are not taken when operating mobile heating units.
• Keep a steady drip of warm and cold water from all faucets to keep pipes from freezing. Another helpful measure is to open the cabinets under the sink to allow heat access to the pipes. 
• If a pipe bursts from freezing, make sure everyone in the household knows where the water main shut off is and how to turn it off.
• Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
• Keep a supply of dry firewood for any wood-burning stoves and/or fireplaces in the home.
• In the event that the power goes out, ensure you have the following:
• Extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter coats
• Flashlights with fresh batteries or at the very least candles with holders per fire safety
• Make sure your cell phone has a full charge or that you have a mobile charger in the event the power goes out