Winter Storm Safety Tips

1/11/2024 (Permalink)

Vents that are buried in snow can become extremely dangerous. Without a clear path for exhaust functions, your home can back up with carbon monoxide.

Winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, sleet, heavy snowfall, ice, and high winds. While those who live in northwest Iowa are considered resilient when it comes to enduring snowfall and cold temperatures, facing the extreme conditions of a blizzard can prove dangerous to even the most seasoned dweller. Since we can never truly predict what Mother Nature has in store for us, the best defense against a blizzard is to be prepared. There are preventive measures you can take to promote safety during dangerous weather.

Safety Tips

• Wear layers of clothing to stay warm.
• Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
• Check on friends, relatives, and the elderly who are more susceptible to the cold.
• Never leave space heaters unattended, turn them off before going to bed.
• Bring your pets indoors.
• Make sure your furnace vent, gas fireplace vent, and water heater vent are free from any obstruction.
• When using a space heater make sure it is on a level, hard surface, and keep it at least three feet away from anything flammable.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. Replace the batteries and inspect them regularly.
• Replenish your emergency kit with food and water.
• Fill your car with gas.
• Insulate exposed pipes.
• Limit time outdoors.
• Have communication devices ready.
• Turn your faucets to a slight drip to keep pipes from freezing.
• Maintain your heating equipment. Have it serviced every year.
• Refill medications before the storm hits.
• Stay tuned to your local news for weather updates.
• Avoid travel if possible.
• Have a snow shovel and ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe.
• Keep exterior doors closed.

SERVPRO® of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes is here to help if you experience any damage to your home or business during a storm. Our goal is to make any disaster disappear, “Like it never even happened.”