The dangers of winter weather are often overlooked. From extreme cold to ice storms to blizzards, winter weather can knock out heat, power, communications and transportation networks, and can immobilize entire regions.
In order to protect your home and family, it is important to be prepared before winter weather strikes.
Before winter weather
Review your family preparedness plan.
Establish a family communications plan.
Assemble a disaster supply kit.
Winterize your home:Insulate walls and attics, caulk and weather-strip doors and windows, and install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.
Learn how to shut off water valves.
Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and trim tree branches that could fall on your home.
Maintain chimneys and heating equipment by having them cleaned and inspected.
Insulate pipes with insulation, newspaper or plastic to keep from freezing.
Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of your roof to hold heavy weight from snow accumulation.