Health & Fitness
Waiting for Winter Wonderland
Some important information on how to prepare for the winter.
While we haven’t seen a winter wonderland yet, it’s a good idea to ensure your family and home are prepared for a blizzard before the flakes start falling.
Stock-up on essentials. According to Mother Nature Network, you should keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods, water, first aid materials, blankets, flashlights and other necessary items in your home. Also, consider purchasing a battery-operated weather radio so you can get updates on changing weather conditions.
As your family gets prepared for potential winter storms, you might want to fill out and print this family emergency plan sheet. Additionally, have games or craft ideas on hand to keep your family entertained while waiting out a storm.
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Invest in safe, alternative heat sources. Nonelectric heaters can be a lifesaver if the power goes out in your home during a storm, taking the heat along with it. Air & Water details how to use a space heater properly and safety features to look for when purchasing one.
Be careful of Carbon Monoxide exposure if your space heater is not functioning correctly or is improperly installed. Place Carbon Monoxide alarms in your home to keep your family safe.
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Check your roof. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety cites that most roofs can support 20 pounds per square foot of snow, which is about 4 feet of new snow or 2 feet of older, packed snow. To ensure your roof is strong enough to handle the snow, contact a Boston Roofing Contractor near you.
When removing snow from your roof, use a snow rake that allows you to stay on the ground, or hire a Snow Removal Contractor.
What should you do once the blizzard is here? Stay indoors. If you must go outside, wear lots of layers, avoid over-exerting yourself when shoveling and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
If your home is without power for an extended period or you run out of supplies and the weather is extremely cold, text SHELTER + your zip code to 43352, and FEMA will alert you of a nearby shelter.
