When the cold weather hits, it can bring icy conditions, blizzards, and storms along with it! (We’re still not entirely sure what a “bomb cyclone” is – but we don’t want to find out!). While of course cold weather can keep you from being able to leave your home, don’t forget that colder temps can also threaten your home’s structure and your safety. With that in mind, it’s important to get a plan in place for winter weather challenges before the chilly season gets into full swing!
Understand the Threats of Severe Cold Weather
Blizzards: These storms with heavy winds and large amounts of snow accumulation can cause roof or other structural damage and leave you isolated.
Ice storms and ice dams: Ice storms coat structures, trees, power lines, cars, roads and virtually everything else with ice. As the ice melts, large chunks can fall and cause injury to anyone below. When ice melts during the day and then re-freezes at night, ice dams—which block water from flowing in the gutter—may form. This condition can force water back under the roof line and cause leaks.
Sleet or freezing rain: Combinations of snow and freezing rain may cause slippery conditions and coat roads, sidewalks, and driveways with ice when temperatures drop.
Protect yourself from severe cold weather
Take it from the pros – the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that homeowners have shovels on hand, as well as melting agents such as rock salt. Some of the new, more environmentally friendly deicers (vocab word alert: this is a substance that melts or prevents the formation of ice!❄️) include calcium magnesium acetate and sand to improve traction. Be sure to stock up early in the season, as deicers tend to be in short supply during periods before a well-publicized storm (it’s not getting as bad as it got with toilet paper in 2020, but don’t take your chances!😉).
FEMA also advises you have enough fuel to maintain heat in your home, as well as a backup heating source, like firewood if you have a working fireplace or a generator to power heaters in case of power failure. That said, always use caution because any of these tools can become fire hazards when not used correctly. Your best bet? Be sure to follow directions explicitly and keep a fire extinguisher in your home. Some generators and fireplaces also require proper ventilation, so follow directions carefully and keep them away from curtains and other flammable items.
Stock up on extra blankets, warm clothing, and enough food/water to sustain your family in case of a few days of isolation. A transistor radio with fresh batteries can help keep you updated on news and information in case of a power outage!
Protect your home from severe cold weather
Before winter, there are some precautions you can take to protect your home from these cold weather storms.
Winterize your home: Check shutters, siding and other exterior materials to ensure they’re secure. High winds, ice and moisture from winter storms can easily strip off such outside elements if they’re loose.
Be sure that gutters are clear of debris and walkways are even—and don’t forget tripping hazards that can be exacerbated with snow or ice! Want an inexpensive trick that can keep heat in your home? Caulk drafty windows and apply weather stripping to doors.
Winterize pipes: Be sure your pipes, especially those exposed or in unheated areas like crawl spaces, are wrapped in insulation to prevent freezing and bursting. Also, learn where your water shut-off valves are so you can turn off the water supply in case of a leak.
Trim tree branches: Branches that are overgrown can be a risk to homes, vehicles and people, so keep trees trimmed and remove ones that have gotten sick to prevent them from falling on your home.
Check with your municipality about any regulations and if you need a referral, your favorite realtor can always help you out 😉Tree trimming and removal can be dangerous, so don’t attempt it on your own unless you’re experienced.
