These are just some basics and sure there are many things I'm forgetting so pls post your tips, links & comments. itsa
MITIGATION TIPS
Severe winter weather causes deterioration and damage to homes every year. There are many things you can do to prepare for the bitter cold, ice and snow in advance to save you money and headaches in the long run. Some of these tips should be used by apartment dwellers too.
“Winterize” your home
-- Insulate walls and attic.
-- Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
-- Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic film from the inside to keep warmth in.
-- Detach garden hoses and shut-off water supply to faucet.
-- Install faucet covers or wrap with towels and duct tape.
-- Show family members the location of your main water valve and mark it so you can find it quickly.
-- Drain sprinkler lines or well lines before the first freeze.
-- Keep inside temperature of your home at 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) or higher.
-- Wrap pipes near exterior walls with towels or heating tape.
-- Change furnace filters regularly and have it serviced.
-- Make sure you have good lighting from street and driveways to help others see snow and ice patches and try to keep paths clear of drifts.
-- Remove dead tree branches since they break easily.
-- Cover fireplace openings with fire-resistant screens.
-- Check shingles to make sure they are in good shape.
Preventing “ice dams”
A lot of water leakage and damage around outside walls and ceilings are actually due to “ice dams”. Ice dams are lumps of ice that form on gutters or downspouts and prevent melting snow from running down. An attic with no insulation (like a detached garage) or a well-sealed and insulated attic will generally not have ice dams. But if the roof has peaks and valleys, is poorly insulated, or has a large roof overhang, ice dams usually happen.
Some tips to prevent ice dams:
-- Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and debris.
-- Find areas of heat loss in attic and insulate it properly.
-- Wrap or insulate heating duct work to reduce heat loss.
-- Remove snow buildup on roof and gutters using snow rake or soft broom.
-- Consider installing roof heat tapes (electric cables) that clip onto shingles’ edges to melt channels in ice. (Remember, cables use a lot of energy and may not look pretty but could help on homes with complicated roofs.)
Preventing frozen pipes
-- Keep doors open under sinks so heat can circulate.
-- Run a slow trickle of lukewarm water and check water flow before going to bed and when you get up. (First sign of freezing is reduced water flow so keep an eye on it.)
-- Heat your basement or at least insulate it well.
-- Close windows and keep drafts away from pipes since air flow can cause pipes to freeze more often.
PREPPING TIPS
Winter storms can last for many days and include high winds, freezing rain, sleet or hail, heavy snowfall and extreme cold. These types of winter storms can shut down a city or area mainly due to blocked roads and downed power lines. People can be stranded in their car or trapped at home for hours or days, but there are many other hazards that come with these storms.
The leading cause of death during winter storms is automobile or other transportation accidents and the second leading cause of death is heart attacks. Hypothermia (or freezing to death) is very common with the elderly who sometimes die inside their homes because it is so cold. The best way to protect yourself from a winter disaster is to plan ahead before the cold weather begins. Take advantage of spring sales when winter items are cheaper so you’re ready for next winter.
BEFORE A WINTER STORM:
Learn the buzzwords - Learn terms / words used with winter conditions...
Freezing rain - rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads and walkways
Hail - rain that turns to ice while suspended and tossed in the air from violent updrafts in a thunderstorm
Sleet - rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching ground
WinterWeather Advisory - cold, ice and snow expected
Winter Storm Watch - severe winter weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible within a day or two
Winter Storm Warning - severe winter conditions have begun or are about to begin
Blizzard Warning - heavy snow and strong winds producing blinding snow (near zero visibility) and life threatening wind chills for 3 hours or longer
Frost/Freeze Warning - below freezing temperatures expected
Be prepared - Develop a Family Emergency Plan and Disaster Supplies Kit/BOB, and add the following at home for winter storms:
calcium chloride - good for melting ice on walkways (rock salt can blister concrete and kill plants)
sand or kitty litter - to improve traction
emergency heating equipment and fuel - have backup...
fireplace - gas or wood burning stove or fireplace
generator – gas or diesel models available and learn how to use it in advance (and never bring it indoors!)
kerosene heaters – ask Fire Department if they are legal in your community and ask about safety tips in storing fuel
charcoal - NEVER use charcoal indoors since fumes are deadly in contained room -- fine for outdoor use!!
extra wood - keep a good supply in a dry area
extra blankets – either regular blankets or emergency blankets (about the size of a wallet)
Clean chimney - If you use a wood-burning fireplace often, have it inspected annually and consider having a professional chimney sweep clean it as needed. Learn more in the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s FAQs at http://www.csia.org
DURING A WINTER STORM:
Listen - Get updates from radio and TV weather reports.
What to wear - Dress for the season…
layer - much better to wear several layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing than one layer of heavy clothing (outside garment should be waterproof)
mittens - mittens are warmer than gloves
hat - most body heat is lost through the top of your head
scarf - cover your mouth with a scarf or wrap to protect your lungs from cold air
Don’t overdo it - Be careful when shoveling snow or working outside since cold can put strain on the heart and cause a heart attack (even in children!)
Carbon monoxide - Learn how to protect your home from winter heating dangers by visiting CDC’s Carbon Monoxide site at http://www.cdc.gov/co/
Watch for signs - playing or working out in the snow can cause exposure so look for signs of…
frostbite - loss of feeling in your fingers, toes, nose or ear lobes or they turn really pale
hypothermia - start shivering a lot, slow speech, stumbling, or feel very tired
If signs of either one ... get inside quickly and get medical help. (some first aid tips at http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=95&t=5780 ) Also check out NOAA’s Windchill Chart and safety information at http://www.weather.gov/om/windchill
Power loss – If the power goes off, turn off all tools, appliances and electronic equipment to reduce the load on electrical system once power is restored. It also may protect devices from a power surge that could follow the start-up. (Tip: Leave one light switch on so you know power’s back on.)
Leaving? – If you decide to leave home during the winter for some time with the chance of freezing weather hitting while your gone, Canadian officials suggest you …
-- Turn off main breaker or electric switch.
-- Turn off water main where it enters house and cover the valve and pump or meter with a blanket or insulating material.
-- Drain the water from the plumbing system by turning on water taps and flushing toilets a few times. Add some antifreeze to toilet bowl, sink and bath drains.
-- Check draining and frost protection instructions in the manuals for your dishwasher, washing machine, etc.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Driving - If you must travel, consider public transportation. Best to travel during the day, don’t travel alone, and tell someone where you’re going. Stay on main roads and avoid taking back roads.
Winterize car - Make sure you have plenty of antifreeze and snow tires (or chains or cables). Keep gas tank as full as possible during cold weather.
Pack a Car Kit - Keep most or all of these items in a waterproof pack so everything is together and easy to grab. While you're at it, make one for each vehicle too!
[ ] Battery (or hand crank) radio, flashlight, extra batteries and bulbs
[ ] Blanket (small emergency ones are cheap and the size of a wallet)
[ ] Bottled water and non-perishable foods (Tip: store food in empty coffee cans to keep it from getting squashed)
[ ] CD (could be used as a reflector to signal planes if stranded)
[ ] Copy of IT'S A DISASTER! (a disaster preparedness and first aid manual)
[ ] Extra clothes (jeans and sweater), sturdy shoes and socks
[ ] First Aid Kit (with disposable gloves and N95 rated face masks)
[ ] Local maps with evacuation routes pre-marked
[ ] Personal hygiene items (hand sanitizer, toilet paper, tissues, tampons, etc)
[ ] Plastic bags that seal
[ ] Shovel (small collapsible ones are available)
[ ] Short rubber hose (for siphoning)
[ ] Small fire extinguisher (5 lb., ABC type)
[ ] Tools - Tire repair kit, booster cables, flares, screw drivers, pliers, knife, wire or rope, etc.
[ ] Work gloves
Extra items for Car “Winter” Kit – Winterize above Car Kit to include...
-- warm things – mittens, hat, emergency blanket, sweater, waterproof jacket or coat
-- cold weather items - windshield scraper, road salt, kitty liter and/or sand
-- emergency items - bright colored cloth or distress flag, booster cables, emergency flares, tow chain, tire chains or cables
Stranded - If you get trapped in your car by a blizzard or break down…
-- get off the road - if you can, drive car onto shoulder
-- give a sign - turn on hazard lights and tie a bright cloth or distress flag on antenna, door handle or hang out driver side window (keep above snow so it draws attention)
-- stay in car - stay inside until help arrives (CAR KIT can provide food, water and comforts if you planned ahead)
-- start your car - turn on car’s engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour (open window slightly for ventilation so you don’t get carbon monoxide poisoning)
-- light at night - turn on inside light so crews or rescuers can see you
-- if you walk - if you walk away from car, make sure you can see building or shelter (no more than 100 yards/10 m)
-- exercise - DO NOT overdo it, but light exercises can help keep you warm
-- sleeping - if others in car, take turns sleeping so someone can watch for rescue crews
-- exhaust pipe - check exhaust pipe now and then and clear out any snow buildup
AFTER A WINTER STORM:
Check food - If you lost power, check food in both frig and freezer to ensure it didn’t spoil. Foods in a well-filled, well-insulated freezer won’t go bad until several days after power goes off. If there are ice crystals in the center of food it’s okay to eat or refreeze.
Don’t overdo it - Both adults and children need to be careful when playing or working outside in frigid conditions since cold can put strain on the heart and cause a heart attack. (Learn some new CPR procedures at http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=95&t=5457 )
Restock - Stock up on items you used so you’re ready for the next one.
Floods - Be prepared for potential flooding esp if winter storm dumps heavy snowfall.
Above from IT'S A DISASTER! book (proceeds benefit APN and IPN)
Be Aware... Be Prepared... and Have a Plan!
All good info, thanks for that, and I would add make sure you have lots of dry hard fire wood put up and cover close to your house, the more snow and ice you have the father away the stack of wood gets. My family went through the ice storm of 1989 I think it was, most of Eastern Ontario West Quebec and down the parts of the USA eastern sea bored were knock out with days of freezing rain. Our power was out for 17 days. We have a dug well with a lid so we could still get water out with a bucket on a rope and candles for light, wood stove for heat and cooking and solar radio, just to tell us how big of an area was hit. It was a real eye opener on what we could of use to make it a little more people friendly, like a better cooking place. the wood stove didn't heat the top enough to boil water, so the mac and cheese was yukky. and more light other than candles. Being winter we have our freezer out side on a back porch so nothing melted, but if it were Summer we be eating a lot of stuff or tossing it out. A generator would have been good.
Ahhh, the Ice Storm on 98....the very reason I started prepping. I was caught with my pants down on that one. The biggest problem I had was price gouging. $0.25 candles were selling for $2.00 each when you found a store that was actually open. Being in Montreal at the time, I only lost power for 3 days, but that was enough to spoil all my food in the fridge. Cooking fuel, canned food, lighting and a radio with spare batteries(or crank power) are a must. Believe me, I won't get caught like that again.
yes Denob, I don't like the pants down feeling. wasn't that an eye open for sure. Even know my family had this back to the land mindset that we were ok, I did suffer the what ifs...our car batter had die, and we had to keep chagrining it, so we couldn't charge it with no hydro, if we had a emergency or if one of us got hurt badly we would be sewed. About 3 days had passed from having no hydro when my friend ski over and lent us there solar radio, at that point we had no idea how big of an area was hit. A very good thing to know, because some people had to hang in there for days to get crews of people into cut trees down just to get out there drive ways. Thankful the snowmobile clubs were going around to see if people needed help, then the military show up. And that ice storm killed a lot of people from there own stupidity, like bringing into there house there gas BBQ to warm up and get kill by the toxic fumes or burn there house down from candles. Perhaps some new topic to start on all this.