Winter Storm Home Safety Tips
Updated February 5, 2020 . AmFam Team
It’s that season again. Mother Nature is ready to surprise us with a little ice and snow — maybe more than a little. We’ll help you weather the storm and hunker down in comfort with our winter storm tips for your home.
Let’s start by reviewing some helpful reminders that can help you well in advance of the storm. Then we’ll look at storm tips that make you feel secure when a storm is on the horizon.
Winter Weather Preparedness Tips
There are plenty of things you can do to prepare for a winter storm, and we’ve got a few ways you can get started before you need to be ready.
Learn weather terminology
Knowing the right terms for the weather can help you when the time comes for action. Here are the three major terms for winter storms:
Winter storm watch. This means that there’s potential for freezing rain, heavy snow, sleet or lake effect snow. There is potential that it could cause high impact.
Winter weather advisory. When this advisory is issued you should expect freezing rain, snow, sleet and lake effect snow. This is for when the weather is expected and will cause an inconvenience.
Winter storm warning. This is the most severe alert they issue and it signifies that high impact winter weather is expected. This includes ice storms and blizzards with heavy snow, sleet and lake effect snow.
Invest in a weather radio
Keep a battery operated weather radio at home so you can stay updated on weather and clean-up progress.
Stock up
You don’t need to fill your pantry to the brim as you most likely won’t be snowbound for long. But it’s a good idea to have some extra batteries, water, canned foods, flashlights and other supplies on hand.
Charge your phone
Not only should you charge your phone, but get any backup power sources ready too. If the power goes out, you’ll want to stay up-to-date on the news and let others know you’re safe.
Tips for Preparing Your Home for a Winter Storm
Keeping your home prepared for a storm is just as important as being prepared yourself. Here are a few ways you can make your home severe winter weather-ready before a winter storm batters your home.
Winterize your home
Do your annual exterior walk around to make sure your home is secure and sound. Inside your home — have your furnace serviced, take care of any leaks, prep your pipes for potential freezes and get your fireplace in order for the season.
Seal drafts
While you may have sealed some drafts as part of your regular winterizing — you’ll want to step up your game to keep out gusting wind. Rolled towels and blankets work great around doors. And hanging blankets over curtains give you an extra buffer.
Let faucets drip
If you have pipes that run up exterior walls and aren’t insulated properly, it’s best to keep just a little water running through them during a winter storm. Usually turning them on so they drip will be enough protection.
Pull out supplies
If you’ve stocked up on supplies, make sure they’re handy so you can find them if you need them. It’s also a good idea to add to your water supply by filling some empty containers from your tap.
Get the shovels ready
If a very heavy snowfall is predicted, you can protect your body by planning on shoveling a few times throughout the storm. Tackling mounds of snow at once is very taxing and you can easily overexert yourself.
Be carbon monoxide savvy
If you’re going to use a generator, a propane stove or any other alternative electricity source, use them with utmost care. Always follow the manufacturer’s use guidelines and stay on top of carbon monoxide safety tips.
On the bright side — winter storms are a great time to bring the family together for some quality snuggle time. Getting close and bundling up helps keep everyone warm and cozy. Use this time together to play games, work on a puzzle, make vacation plans or simply talk.
Related Articles
- 9 Steps to Create a Home Inventory for Insurance Claims
Your home is more than a roof over your head. It’s where your dreams grow, your family thrives and memories are made. But the possessions you keep inside are important, too.
Whether you’re renting an apartment or own your home, you’ve most likely got an insurance policy designed to protect your dwelling and the things inside. Should the unthinkable happen and you have to use that insurance policy, it’s important to have a plan in place. And a home inventory list is a great way to get started!
We’ll walk you through how to create a home inventory so — in the event of the unexpected — you’ll be more prepared and have a streamlined recovery.
What Is a Home Inventory?
Quite simply, a home inventory is a complete list of all the items, especially valuables, in and around your home. The best home inventories include photos, descriptions and dollar values of each of your belongings. The more detail, the better! It’ll help you provide a comprehensive list to your agent of items lost in the event your home is damaged or destroyed, allowing you to get the most out of your coverage.
When your describing the items in your list, remember that the more information, the better. Here’s a quick reference list of the type of information you should include in your home inventory list:
- An in-depth description of the items. For example, rather than writing down “diamond ring,” be more descriptive, such as: “an emerald cut diamond ring, with white gold shank, accent stones and initials inscribed below the bridge.”
- Make, model, and/or serial number of the items.
- Date of purchase, receipts and photos.
- Estimated replacement cost if you bought it today. Do note that the value of the items might be different today than it was when you first bought them. This is especially true with jewelry, and other valuables.
- Appraisals at time of purchase. Especially if your items were appraised for insurance purposes.
Why Do I Need a Home Inventory?
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, everyone can benefit from a home inventory!
If you ever have to make a claim, a home inventory is a great asset to have, especially after stressful events like theft, storm damage or a fire (take a look at how one renter used their home inventory after facing an apartment fire).
When you make a claim, you typically submit information on everything that was lost — which can be difficult to do off the top of your head for all your possessions. Remembering to replace your TV or computer are no-brainers, but when it comes to remembering each piece of jewelry in your jewelry box, things tend to get overlooked. Having a personal property inventory will help, along with knowing how to properly insure your jewelry.
When you have your home inventory checklist, you know exactly what needs to be replaced, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your entire household is protected.
- Reasons Why a Roof Leaks
You’re admiring the rain from the comfort of your home when you notice a sound — the unmistakable drip of water dropping onto your floor. The first and hardest step is figuring out why your roof is leaking. And with these tips, you’ll find the culprit in no time!
Here’s Why Your Roof Is Leaking
The list of reasons why your roof is leaking may seem long, but don’t worry — when it comes to finding the leak and fixing it, the finding is the hardest part. And the good thing about these problems? They can all be fixed. Check out the list and see what’s troubling your roof:
Your roof is old
Roofs don’t last forever. Protecting your home and everything inside it from the elements comes with a cost. And with all that rain, snow, ice, wind and even sunlight wearing down your roof, it becomes more susceptible to leaks. Every roof will eventually need to be replaced, so learn more about how long your roof should last based on what it’s made of.
- How to Check Your Roof for Storm Damage
There’s no good time to find out your roof needs repair — but you may be able to mitigate that pain by routinely checking your roof for damage after severe weather. Waiting for a leak or damage to present itself gives the problem time to grow and worsen.
And sometimes, you’ll be faced with expensive roof and interior damage repairs if you’re not diligent. By being proactive and checking your roof for damage after severe weather hits can help your roof — and your savings — stay healthy.
