Every time you hear that there is snow coming in your region everyone starts going crazy and runs out to stores to grab necessities like bread and milk. People also might go out to grab shovels, rock salt, or other things they might need before the storm hits. Regardless, it is always good to be ready and prepared when a snowstorm is headed your way. That way, you will be as safe as possible. Always remember to check your phone, which you should keep charged, fyi, or watch the news outlets to see how much snow your area is getting.
Items to have before the storm
If you have a generator, make sure it works and that it runs properly. If you do happen to lose power for some time, you can run your generator. Make sure to grab supplies like salt and melters, if needed, for your driveways and sidewalks to help melt the snow to make it easier for you to shovel. Make sure to stock up on food as well as other supplies if there is a big storm since there is a possibility you can’t leave your house for a couple of hours or days. And lastly, make sure you have a medical/emergency kit in case something happens where you can’t get to the hospital or the medical assistance can’t get to you.
Helpful Tips
A snowstorm can be pretty powerful. If it ends up being a foot or more there is a possibility that strong winds can knock out power in areas, so be sure to charge your phones or laptops and whatever you need to be charged. Maybe even get a charging bank so you can have that as a back-up. Another thing is to make sure that your pipes don’t freeze during the storm. Your pipes have a major impact on having heat and water. Letting warm water drip overnight before the storm, adjusting the thermostat, or keeping your thermostat set at the same temperature day and night could help prevent frozen pipes.
Driving
Snowstorms or icy conditions also make the roads dangerous for drivers. And on that point, if a governor of a town or state declares a state of emergency and mandates that people should stay off the road for their own safety, then don’t! Let the plows do their jobs and clear the roads so more important vehicles like police, fire trucks, ambulances, and any other first responder vehicles can get back on the roads and help those who need it. States won’t always call a stage of emergency, though. That kind of call depends on how strong the storm will get when it reaches, most times they declare it once there gets to be about 6-8 inches. When the snow is not plowable, it could lead to hazardous conditions. If you are out on the roads take your time and drive safely. Make sure to be more cautious than you would normally be and go slower. Taking the extra time is worth not getting into an accident and ruining your car or worse, being injured.
Clean Up
Once the storm is over, you are able to play outside and enjoy the snow that came down. Get your shovel or snow blower and start getting to work so that you can clear the snow and make it easier to walk on your sidewalk. Clearing snow also makes it easier for your car to leave and enter your driveway. If you still have no power, no water, and no heat or electricity, there are usually spots around your town or city that have places you can go to take a warm shower, brush your teeth and stay warm for a while until you get your utilities back on. Hopefully this helps you know and understand more about what you can do to prepare yourself for a snow storm!
