How To Handle A Winter Storm Emergency

Are you ready for a winter storm emergency? An intense blizzard can knock out electricity, block roads, damage property, and increase the risk of hypothermia and car accidents. So when a blizzard is on its way, you must prepare well to keep your home and family safe.

Our eight tips will help you stay safe this winter and prepare for an emergency with confidence.

How To Stay Safe During A Winter Storm Emergency

1. Stock Up On Food And Water

Always have enough food and water to last up to a week. Even if a winter storm emergency may last just one or two days, it may be dangerous to go outdoors until the roads have been completely cleared.

Choose non-perishable items to eat if you lose power. Here are a few good options:

• Canned goods
• Cereal
• Peanut butter
• Crackers
• Powdered milk
• Dry pasta
• Jarred sauce
• Instant soup.

This nourishing, high-energy food won’t spoil and can be prepared quickly. If you have pets, get dry kibble too.

2. Prepare Your Medicine And Hygiene Kit

You should have prescription medicines, vitamins, and hygiene supplies like diapers and toilet paper. Since a winter storm emergency can also increase people’s risk for illnesses and injuries, stock up on medicine for fever and colds and first-aid supplies like iodine and gauze.

If your water supply runs low, purchase moist toilettes, disinfecting sprays, and water purifying tablets.

3. Prepare A Winter Storm Emergency Kit

In a severe winter storm emergency, you may need to evacuate. Get a waterproof bag and fill it with the following items:

• First-aid kit
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlights
• Candles and waterproof matches
• Extra batteries
• Whistles or other ways to signal for help
• Blankets
• Waterproof sleeping bags
• Copies of important documents like IDs or insurance policies

4. Insulate Your Windows And Doors

You want to keep the cold temperatures out and prevent heat from escaping. To best prepare, buy cheap insulation kits or weather stripping from a hardware store. If you frequently get winter storm emergency warnings in your area, consider investing in insulated curtains and blinds.

During the storm, keep all room doors closed to preserve heat.

5. Prepare Your Outdoor Area

Clear away any heavy branches that can be broken and blown away by the winds, causing significant damage to your property. Clean the gutters to ensure no debris can be swept away by the winds. Generally, a cleaner yard is easier to fix up after a winter storm emergency.

It’s also important to remove hanging and potted plants, garden tools, and décor—these can quickly turn into dangerous missiles if caught by a strong gust of wind.

6. Prevent Pipes From Freezing

Extreme cold can freeze your pipes. Not only will you run out of water, but the pipes may burst and lead to expensive house repairs.

Open faucets, so there’s a slight trickle, as running water is less prone to freezing. Keep bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open so the pipes are exposed to the warm air in your home. If needed, invest in pipe insulation.

7. Use Heating Equipment Properly

Accidental fires are common during a winter storm emergency. Here's how to avoid making a serious mistake:

1. Don’t use outdoor cooking equipment like charcoal grills inside the home, and don’t crank up your oven or stovetop to serve as a heater. These can produce fires and cause fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.
2. Run generators outdoors and place them twenty feet or more away from windows, vents, and doors. Ensure the generators are covered with a tarp or other shelter to protect them from the elements.
3. To prevent these accidents, have a fire extinguisher on hand and check that the fire alarm battery works.

8. Avoid After-Storm Injuries

Many accidents aren’t actually caused during the winter storm emergency but after. This includes heart attacks from over-exertion while clearing away the snow, falling or slipping on ice, and car accidents.

So, be sure to pace yourself during the post-storm clean-up. Spread rock salt on the walkways to help melt the ice or sand to add traction on slippery sidewalks and driveways. Limit travel only for necessary trips, and heed any road warnings.

Get An Emergency Loan For Damage Caused By Winter Storms

Did the storm damage your property? Do you or a family member need medical treatment or help to pay urgent bills? An online title loan can help pay for these sudden costs—and you can get the money the day you apply or the following business day!

Unlike other types of personal loans, you don’t need a high credit score or income to qualify for a title loan. You just need to own a car with a “clear” title and no existing liens or legal claims against it.

Applying for an online title loan is easy, too! When you fill out the form, someone will call you to explain the requirements and provide directions to the nearest branch. When you’re ready, head to the store with the following items:

• Driver’s License or State Issued I.D.
• Lien-Free Title to Your Vehicle
• Your Vehicle for Inspection

We’ll verify the title and inspect the vehicle to find out the loan amount you qualify for. You may qualify for up to $15,000, depending on the car’s model, mileage, and condition.

Do you still have questions about how to apply for an online title loan? Complete our online form, and we'll reach out to you as soon as possible. We’re just a few clicks away. 

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.