A major winter storm can be lethal. Preparing your home for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms. To prepare your home, we suggest the following:
Winterize Your Home
Insulate walls and attic
Caulk and add weather-stripping to doors and windows
Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside
Install and check smoke detectors
Service snow-removal equipment
Have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways
Use kitty litter to generate temporary traction
Have Safe Emergency Heating Equipment Available
Keep an ample supply of wood at fireplace
Use small, well-vented, wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel
Use portable space heaters or kerosene heaters
Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel
Keep Pipes from Freezing
Wrap pipes with insulation or layers of old newspapers
Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture