6 commonly overlooked steps when it comes time to prepare for a winter storm
Jan 21, 2016; 6:44 PM ET Snow Chaser Reed Timmer is getting ready as all the ingredients come together to produce a major snowstorm from the mid-Atlantic to the Northeast.
The inevitable winter storm is always looming. People become abuzz when heavy snowfall and extreme cold begin to be reported. Immediately you begin thinking of what you need to do in preparation.
However, sometimes the most crucial steps in preparation can be forgotten.
Following these six tips will allow you to properly prepare for the imminent winter conditions and to avoid the common mistakes people often make.
Brian Farrell, of Walpole, Mass., left, enters his home Thursday, March 8, 2018, after a tree fell on the house and a car, right, in Walpole. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
1. Stock up on the nonperishable food items
The mad dash to the grocery store is unavoidable when a winter storm is on the horizon. Although, don’t immediately reach for the milk and fresh vegetables as you scan the aisles. Instead consider what you will eat in the event that the power goes out for an extended amount of time and that refrigerated items perish. Having these items readily available will make for a far more enjoyable snowstorm.
2. Check your heating oil gauge
Often people look forward to going out into a snowstorm for fun. As you get your winter boots from the basement, be sure to check the gauge on your oil furnace. Ensuring that you have plenty of oil to heat the home for the duration of a winter storm, as well as a few days after, is imperative. CS Myers and Son Oil Company, located in State College, Pennsylvania, knows its busiest days of the year are those leading up to a snowstorm, working after hours to assist those scrambling to refill their furnace.
3. Buy batteries for the carbon monoxide detector & other devices
Something not on your mind as a winter storm approaches: the carbon monoxide detector in your home. According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), carbon monoxide poisoning is a common cause of death in a winter storm. People don’t consider the effects of running generators indoors in the event of a power outage. Be sure to stock up on batteries for this household device and others that you may need in the storm like flashlights and radios.
4. A full charge on devices
It’s understandable that you want to capture the best pictures and videos of the winter storm to share with family, friends and social media. However, you should consider charging your phone as well. If the power goes out, your cell phone could be vital. Keep in mind that it may lose a charge quicker than expected if it is no longer working on a Wi-Fi connection. It would be smart to also get a portable charger to have another way to help your phone maintain a charge.
5. Surveying trees
Doing a thorough check around your property prior to any expected winter weather is crucial. It is possible that there could be a nearby tree or hanging branches beginning to lean too close to your home. Heavy snowfall or gusting winds could be what sends them soaring, causing lots of damage. Bartlett Tree Experts suggest scheduling regular yearly maintenance prior to any intense winter weather to avoid trying to take action before time runs out on an incoming storm.
6. Prepare for your pets
Don’t forget about the pets you may have at home. When stocking up for yourself, also stock up for them, providing enough food to make it through any storm. If your pet is trained to go to the bathroom outside, have a plan in place if that is no longer possible due to large amounts of snowfall, freezing rain or blistering winds.
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For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.
