Tips to Stay Safe in Winter Ice Storms

Tips to Stay Safe and Warm During Winter Storm Nika

Winter Storm NikaThe weather reports are beginning to narrow down on the forecast for just what we are to expect for the upcoming winter storm overnight tonight into the morning tomorrow. This storm is predicted to greatly impact the morning commute as well with significant ice accumulations nearing .25″ on top of several inches of snow.

This storm not only has the potential to make hazardous conditions for people who are traveling, but it can create a dangerous situation in your home if you do not take the right precautions to keep you and your family safe. Please take a moment to read through our tips for staying safe during an ice storm.

    • Keep yourself and others away from downed power lines and fallen limbs or trees. Treat all power lines as if they were live and dangerous and keep in mind that large limbs and trees that have fallen have the possibility of hiding electrical hazards. The best thing to do if you come across a downed tree or power line is to stay away and keep others away until appropriate emergency crews arrive.

Keeping warm if the power goes out:

    • Stay indoors and keep warm with extra, dry layered clothing.
    • Close off rooms in your home that are unneeded.
    • To help hold in as much warmth as possible, stuff towels or old blankets at the bottom of your doors to minimize drafts.
    • Cover your windows at night with heavy curtains or blinds. Heavier curtains help to keep heat from escaping through the cold glass.

Other power outage tips for winter:

    • Avoid opening your refrigerator or freezer unless absolutely necessary. The less you open your refrigerator or freezer the longer your food will stay colder longer.
      • For reference: a fully loaded freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours if the door is kept closed and up to 24 hours for a half full freezer.
    • Keep flashlights, battery powered radios, and fresh batteries handy.
    • If possible, fill up containers to store extra drinking water before the storm starts, especially if you have a well pump.
    • Try to have a backup plan ready if you must leave your home. Set-up arrangements to stay at a family or friends home that has power, if needed.

The don’ts during a power outage:

  • Don’t use any generator, camp stove, or any type of outdoor heater inside your home. These appliances create carbon monoxide which is a deadly, colorless and odorless gas.
  • Do not leave candles unattended during a power outage. A safer alternative to a candle for a source of light is a LED powered lantern.
  • Do not touch internal wires or electrical devices that have come into contact with water. Contact a professional electrician if water is present near electrical devices in your home.

The most important thing to remember during any winter storm is to remain safe and to always plan ahead for an emergency. Make sure your home has a plan set in place for different emergencies and that everyone in your family is aware of what to do if there is an emergency.

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