Last-Minute Winter Weather Checklist for Protecting Homes and Businesses

Prepare for a Power Outage

Heavy snow and high winds are a recipe for widespread power outages. It’s important to prepare a plan now before a possible outage. 

• Learn how you can use alternative heat sources and generators safely during a power outage at disastersafety.org/disastersafety/build-a-plan-for-a-power-outage.
• Have an Emergency Preparedness Kit with three days of food, water, prescription medications and other supplies ready (ready.gov/build-a-kit).
• Consider obtaining a NOAA Weather Radio to stay abreast of current weather conditions.

Prevent Roof Collapse

If heavy snow begins to accumulate on your roof, remove the snow with a snow rake and a long extension arm that will allow you to remove the snow while standing safely on the ground. Find additional guidance at disastersafety.org/freezing_weather/prevent-roof-collapse.

Stay Safe and Warm

Inspect your source of heat for any damage which can cause a fire and result in costly property damage. Also, remove combustible items placed near a heat source. For more information, check IBHS’  guide on alternative heating at disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/alternative-heating.pdf.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Prevent costly water damage caused by frozen pipes by:

• providing a reliable back-up power source to ensure continuous power to the building;
• insulating all attic penetrations;
• ensuring proper seals on all doors and windows; and
• sealing all cracks and openings in exterior walls.

Additional guidance is available at disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/Freezing-Bursting-Pipes_IBHS.pdf.

Know Your Winter Weather Alerts

When severe winter weather is on its way, it’s important you know and understand what each alert means so you can respond accordingly. Learn more about alerts at disastersafety.org/freezing_weather/finding-meaning-in-winter-weather-forecasts.

This article was originally posted here.