With another winter storm about to hit the East coast, and snow predictions ranging from 3" to 3', I would hope most people would already be prepared. But unfortunately, many never prepare, or wait until the last minute, then after the power goes out, they are running around looking for candles, flashlights and batteries, and ways to heat their houses. That is what leads to emergencies and house fires.
Here are some of my tips to help avoid emergencies, followed by a link to more tips from the CDC.
HEATING :
(1) Check your main system first. Do you have enough fuel? (2) Have you changed filters? (3)Be ready to remove snow from around any outdoor components such as heat pumps. (4) Make sure your furnace exhaust doesn't get blocked by snow. (5) If you have woodstove or fireplace, check dampers, flu pipes, etc. Also, monitor top of you chimney, because snow can build up and block off flu liner, then smoke and carbon monoxide can back up into house. (6) Check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. (7) Make sure you have batteries for your flashlights. Each occupant should have a flashlight in their room. (8) be careful with whatever backup heating system you use. Don't leave electric space heaters in kids rooms. (9) If you have sleeping bags, extra blankets, etc, have those handy. Might be safer to have everyone sleep on floor in living room. (10) Make sure all cell phones are charged in case you need them. (11) fill up jugs and your tub with water before power goes out. You can use the water in tub to flush toilets, etc. Also could be handy if a fire did break out.
AUTO:
(1) Hopefully by now you've had your anti freeze checked. (2) make sure you have at least a half tank of fuel in every vehicle (3) Keep spare blankets in cars. (4) Is your car battery strong? If it's over 5 years old, consider replacing it. (5) Keep a shovel and grit like " barn grip", or kitty litter in trunk. (6) If you don't have to drive, don't. (7) Don't lock your cars doors if you don't have to. The locks could freeze over which would cause huge delay if there was an emergency. (8) Make sure your window washer fluid container is full. (9) Have extra coat and gloves in car in case you get stuck somewhere. (10) Don't sit in your car with engine running and windows closed if you get stuck in snow bank somewhere.
More tips in following link. But if you have a well for water, don't leave your spickets dripping. If your well pump is constantly kicking on and off, it could burn your pump up.
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/duringstorm/indoorsafety.asp
Jeff Pearl | Lic in VA
Remax Distinctive | McLean VA
703-727-4876
Homes | Land | Farms | Historic
Equal Housing
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