Winter Blunderland: Avoiding Snowstorm Damage
Time to get your winter wardrobe out—winter season is upon us!
The winter season can produce dangerous weather conditions such as blizzards and can result in property damage. Snow and ice can pile up around your home and barricade you and your family for days, not to mention road closures. Your home can also receive roof damage from all the snow and ice. During those ice storms, tree limbs can break off and land on power lines, roads, and your property, which can lead to several days without electricity. If you do not own a generator or a fireplace, winter cold is extremely dangerous and can cause illness, including hypothermia.
Have you given much thought about preparing your home and family for those winter storms and extremely low temperatures? If not, following these winter safety tips will assist you and your family during the harsh winter season to prepare your home.
Purchase a generator.
Generators are a smart investment for any type of weather conditions. Nothing is worse than losing your power during a winter blizzard or summer storm. Never have the fear of losing your heat or air conditioning, and your security system—just when you need them most!
Prepare emergency kits.
It is vital to have an emergency kit ready for all types of weather emergencies. Winter safety is crucial and it’s important to have the supplies to prepare your family. For your winter storm safety kit, gather these items, which you probably already have in your home:
- Bottled water for everyone in the family to last several days.
- Nonperishable foods and a manual can opener.
- Basic battery-operated electronics such as a radio, flashlights, battery phone charger or solar charger, and extra batteries.
- Plenty of rock salt, sand and snow shovels.
- Firewood for your fireplace that could last multiple days.
- Matches and gas lighters (in case matches get wet!)
- Candles—any extra heat or lighting comes in handy!
- Plenty of blankets and warm winter clothing.
- First aid kit as well as a sterilizing liquid for cuts and wounds.
- A noise-maker of some kind, like a whistle or leftover fireworks, to signal for help.
- Extra fuel if you own a generator.
Install a water alarm and temperature threshold sensors.
Extreme frigid weather can cause water pipes to freeze, resulting in burst pipes and a flooded home. The water alarm sensor will alert you when water or moisture is detected in your home. Temperature threshold alert sensors will notify you immediately if water pipes are in danger of bursting from those freezing winter weather conditions. It monitors the temperature of your home and if the temperature falls too much you will get an alert on your keypad and mobile device. Never stress out about flood damage again.
Use a smart thermostat.
Control your thermostat with your computer or mobile device with Z-Wave smart thermostat control. This smart thermostat alerts you when extreme harsh temperatures occur in your home, such as heat and cold spikes. Save money on your energy bill by timing your thermostat when away or by utilizing the “save energy button,” which sets the thermostat at a predetermined temperature.
The winter season can bring brisk surprises, from a beautiful light snowfall to an icy, windy blizzard. Get prepared, and protect your family and home with these winter safety tips.