Winter Storm Preparedness is Essential

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Winter Storm Preparedness

The metro-east Illinois region is experiencing some extremely cold tempuratures with bad weather heading this way. Hopefully, businesses and homeowners have put a plan in place in the event of a major winter storm which is bound to happen. However, the middle of a blizzard or major snowstorm is not the time to wonder when your heating system was last serviced. By taking action now, you can head into the winter season comfortable in the knowledge that your home or business will be safe in the event of severe winter weather.

Before those nightly temperatures plummet, you’ll want to take preventative measures to keep your pipes from freezing, and help your home and business to retain heat by weather-stripping doors and windowsills and replacing your heating system’s filters and have your HVAC system checked before it fails you during a long strectch of winter weather. You might consider buying emergency heating equipment (and fuel) or a portable backup generator in the event of a magor snow/ice storm that could potentially knock out power. Also make sure your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order! And in case you’re unable to leave your home for a prolonged amount of time due to weather conditions, having a stock of non-perishable food items on hand is always a great idea.

Try to avaoid venturing out into hazardous road conditions during a major winter storm, and in the event that you’re caught traveling or need to evacuate an area when a storm strikes, you also want to be sure your vehicle is winter-ready. The American Red Cross recommends having a maintenance check and tire evaluation in autumn so that any necessary maintenance can be completed before winter arrives, and having an emergency road kit with the following provisions: a windshield scraper, a small sack of sand (for generating traction), shovel, matches in a waterproof container, tire chains or traction mats, a bright red cloth to tie to your antenna, warm clothing, blankets, bottled water and snack foods, and a battery-powered radio.

Do you have storm damage due to a winter storm? Call the Winter Storm Damage Cleanup Specialists at (618) 667-8648.