Extreme weather can occur at various times of the year, living in Wisconsin, we know winter can bring some challenging times. Are you prepared for a Wisconsin winter snowstorm? Read on for tips to help keep your family and home safe during harsh weather.
Create a Survival Kit
Although you hope to never use it, you should have a survival kit ready for harsh weather. This will help you get through power outages, water outages, and other common problems that result from major storms.
The kit should include the following items, but feel free to add more.
Water: one gallon per person (a half gallon for pets) per day with a three-day supply for each.
Food: non-perishable and easy-to-prepare items for three days.
Flashlight and batteries.
Battery-powered radio.
A deluxe family first-aid kit.
Medications to last several days.
Multi-purpose tool.
Cell phone and chargers.
Cell phone fully charged prior to weather hitting.
Family emergency contact information.
Extra blankets.
Pet food and medications for three days.
Matches.
In addition to your home survival kit, it is also wise to have a smaller kit in your vehicle. This can include the basics- water, blanks, flashlight, multi-purpose tool, etc.
Winter Snowstorms
Follow a few steps to prepare for snowstorms and icestorms.
Be certain the water lines that run along the exterior walls of your home are insulated so your water supply doesn’t freeze.
Caulk and weather-strip your doors and windows to seal all air leaks.
Insulate your walls and attic.
Install storm or thermal-pane windows. If you cannot do that, you can cover the inside of your windows with plastic.
Make sure to repair any roof leaks.
Trim tree branches that could fall on your home.
Make sure your gutters and storm drains are clear of debris.
Make sure to have your chimney inspected every year.
Make sure all fuel-burning equipment, such as generators, are placed outside, away from your home.
Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home.
These are just a few things you can do to help keep your family and your home as safe as possible the next time extreme weather hits your community. Staying alert and prepared can go a long way!