November and December is the holiday season, it’s also winter season. When low temperatures, ice, blizzards and other extreme winter conditions can cause problems for your home, business or structures will you be prepared?
Each year hundreds of people are injured or experience property damage and loss due to exposure to cold, car accidents, fires from heaters and other winter related accidents.
You can protect yourself, your family, your employees and your building by following the below checklist:
- Learn how to protect pipes from freezing.
- Make sure your home heating sources are installed according to local codes and permit requirements and are clean and in working order.
- Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
- Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out.
- Consider buying emergency heating equipment, such as a wood- or coal-burning stove or an electric or kerosene heater (if permitted by law in your area). Follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions for safe installation and use.
- Consider storing sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off. Be cautious of fire hazards when storing any type of fuel.
- If you have a fireplace, consider keeping a supply of firewood or coal. Be sure the fireplace is properly vented and in good working order and that you dispose of ashes safely.
- Consider installing a portable generator, following our safety tips to avoid home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning
- Consider purchasing flood insurance, if you live in a flood-prone area, to cover possible flood damage that may occur during the spring thaw. Homeowners’ policies do not cover damage from floods.
- Ask your insurance agent about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if you are at risk. More information on NFIP is available at www.fema.gov/nfip.
You can read the full article and find more resources on how to stay ready for winter by clicking HERE the American Red Cross Winter Preparedness Article
