Preparing for a Storm in St Paul

According to the National weather Service “Deceptive killers” are the cause for most deaths during the winter. They are the deaths that happen indirectly related to the storm. For example traffic accidents due to icy roads, hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the cold. It is of the utmost importance to be prepared for the winter weather before it attacks. 24Restore has some tips and ideas on how you can stay safe:

It is a very good idea to have an emergency plan so that every member in your family knows what to do and what not to do when that winter storm hits. If there is a plan in place then everyone will also know where to go when the time comes.

Spring, summer or fall are the best times to prepare an emergency kit. So of the supplies needed for the kit include:

• Rock salt or a different type of environmentally safe product to melt walkways
• Sand can help with traction
• Snow shovels and other equipment used for removing snow
• An ample amount of fuel for heating, like ready to use wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove, or pellets for your pellet stoves, etc
• Warm Clothing like hats, gloves, snow boots and blankets

Be sure to tune into weather and local news channels for weather updates.

Try to have everything prepared to prevent traveling and being outdoors as much as possible, but if travel is necessary make sure you have disaster supplies kits in your vehicle. Also try to travel during the day and try not to be alone or tell someone the exact route you are taking to get to your destination and stay on main roads.

If walking is unavoidable proceed with caution on ice, and snowy walkways.

Pets and companion animals should be brought inside during winter weather.

Move other animals or livestock to covered areas with access to non-frozen drinking water.

If you need to shovel the snow, stretch before hand and proceed with caution to not over exert yourself. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack, which is a major cause of death in the winter. Remember to change wet clothing frequently as dry clothing can prevent body heat loss.

Loss of feeling and white or pale skin can be signs of frostbite on fingers, toes, ear lobes, and tip of nose. If these symptoms occur seek medical attention right away.

Hypothermia is another thing to watch out for. Uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion are warning signs.

Protecting Your Home

Winter storms can also affect your homes and businesses in St. Paul. Just like you have to prepare yourself for the winter you want to prepare your St. Paul homes. Failing to prepare your home or business for the winter can lead to storm damage, requiring storm damage cleanup services to repair.

Here are a few ways you can prepare your home for the winter:

Doors and Windows

• Check the weather stripping on your doors and windows for any holes or leaks.
• Check your window frames for any sign of damage or decay.
• Check your windows and doors for any drafts. If you do feel any drafts use caulk to reseal them.
• Replace any broken or cracked windows.

Yard

• Trim your trees. Trimming overgrown branches will help prevent heavy snow and winds from breaking your branches and causing property damage.
• Cover any patio furniture with heavy tarps or store them inside your garage or shed.
• Detach any water hoses from your outside water line and store them in your garage or basement to prevent any damage.
• Shut off any outside faucets. If you have a sprinkler system, make sure you hire a professional to blow out any water to protect against broken pipes.
• Remove any dirt and leaves that may have fallen on your patio or deck to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning

• Inspect your chimney and flue system to make sure there is no debris or cracks that can cause a fire hazard.
• Check your fireplace for any cold drafts. If there are any drafts the damper could be open, warped, worn or rusted.
• Check to make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
• Removing any air conditioners from your windows.

Roof and Gutters

• Make sure your gutters are not clogged and your gutter spouts are in working condition. Damaged or clogged gutters could cause water to seep into the foundation of your home, causing
  damage.
• Check your roof for any missing shingles or damage.
• Check the insulation in your attic and basement. Proper insulation can help prevent water damage from ice dams.

Call the Professionals!

If severe weather has damaged your St. Paul home or business contact 24Restore now! Our professionals are standing by to help you in your time of need! Just like our name indicates, we are available 24 hours a day!