Are You Prepared for the Next Blizzard?

Are you really prepared for the next blizzard? Let’s check. See five easy ways to be better prepared for the next snow storm.

The temperature in Times Square on New Year’s Eve at the time of the ball drop was the coldest NYE there in 100 years. Much of the northern part of the U.S. is blanketed by snow as temperatures in the east are running 10 to 20 degrees below normal. More snowstorms are in the forecasts as winter’s long from over.

All this gives us the chills—literally. Many of us have already experienced frigid winter temperatures this winter, but if you haven’t updated your preparedness kit in a while, there is always more you can do to ensure the safety of you and your family before the next winter storm hits.

Cummins QuietConnect™ home standby generators deliver peace of mind, giving you confidence that your home and family are prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. QuietConnect generators are also extremely quiet and incredibly affordable. They even add to your home’s resale value. See a free calculator to evaluate your home’s energy needs.

Five Ways to Prepare for Blizzards and Snow Storms

Know your risk. How prepared is your region for winter weather? How well do residents in your community drive on icy roads? Southern snow storms obviously take more time to recuperate from because they have less snow removal equipment. If you live in the south, prepare for many schools and businesses to be closed for days.
Build a preparedness kit. We update our kit every year. Also, keep a preparedness kit in your car! Never leave the house without a water bottle, cell phone, hand sanitizer and umbrella. I keep other important items such as a flashlight, blanket, first aid kit, granola bars, ice scraper/snow brush, shovel, windshield washer fluid and cell phone charger in my car. Make sure your tires are in good shape, you have at least a half tank of gas and your car is running smoothly too.
Make sure you and your family can survive without power for at least 3 days. Invest in a generator if you don’t have one. We recommend a Cummins standby generator.
Start a conversation with your family, neighbors and employer. Do you have a plan—including a plan for your family and pets? Would any of your elderly or special needs neighbors need help if they lost power? Does your employer expect you to be at work during a winter storm?
Don’t overexert yourself when outdoors in the cold weather. The American Heart Association says the strenuous activity of shoveling snow can take a toll on your body and can actually increase your chances of having a heart attack. While you may think you’re OK, someone you know may not be. Take an American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED course to learn life-saving skills! Pet CPR courses are also available in some areas.

Preparedness is power.
Don’t be left out in the cold during the next winter storm.

© 2018 Yankee Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

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