With Utah snowstorms soon approaching, it is essential to make sure you and your family are prepared.
Winter storms can bring freezing temperatures and other severe conditions that may leave you and your loved ones in a difficult place. These major storms can wreak havoc on your home, and preparing your house is one of the only things you can do to protect yourself against intense winter storms.
Continue reading to learn what you can do to prepare your house for a snowstorm.
Buy Enough Food and Water — Depending on their severity, winter storms can leave you and your family stuck at home for days at a time. If this is the case, it is important to make sure you and your family have enough food and water to last a week or longer. If the storm is especially bad, stores and other conveniences, such as gas stations, will likely be closed, making it impossible to grab anything you need during this time. So, make sure your pantry is stocked!
Ideally, you will have a gallon of water per person per day, as well as non-perishable food to last you throughout the storm. Pasta, dehydrated food, and canned items are perfect during these times.
Make Sure Necessary Equipment is Accessible — If a snowstorm is approaching, make sure your home is equipped with any necessary tools. For example, you’ll want to make sure your shovels, snow blower, melting salt, and any other snow and ice removal equipment are easily and readily accessible.
If you anticipate losing power, you may want to consider a generator for your house and additional fuel. At least make sure you have extra warm clothing, blankets, and firewood to keep you warm until your heat turns back on. You may also want to fill your gas tank and grab additional batteries or rechargeable batteries.
Stock Up on Other Essentials — If the snowstorms are especially bad, the roads may close, and the power could be lost. Make sure you are ready for this scenario by stocking up on all of your essentials. This will look different from one person or family to the next, but may include:
- Diapers
- Pet food
- Toilet paper
- First-aid kit
- OTC and prescription medications
- Formula
- Treats and snacks
- Games to pass the time
Prepare the Exteriors and Interiors of Your House— Freezing temperatures can cause serious damage to your home. Before the storm, there are several things you should make sure you do:
- Detach any garden hoses hooked up to your house
- Bring in any plants and pets
- Clean your gutters
- Service your heating system
- Insulate pipes where necessary
- Open cupboard doors to allow heat to access pipes
- Turn on each faucet in your home to a slow drip to avoid freezing.
Contact Restoremasters
If your home along the Wasatch Front, including Salt Lake and Utah counties, has suffered damage because of snowstorms, such as wind damage or floods due to frozen or bursting pipes, contact the experts at Restoremasters. With years of experience, our skilled and knowledgeable technicians will work to restore your home to the way it should be. For all of your emergency and non-emergency disasters, contact our trusted professionals.