We’re officially in one of the most dreaded winter weather months — February. Historically, this month is infamous for heavy storms, frozen roadways, and the risk of dangerous conditions. In the coming days we know it is likely that temperatures will drop drastically. As you prepare for the cold, brush up on these safety tips.
Staying Warm and Avoiding Frostbite
- Dress warmly in several layers of clothing—wear boots, gloves, or mittens and a hat when going outside.
- Limit time outside for infants as they lose heat quickly.
- Make sure to protect your pets and ensure they are not exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Use the “buddy system” to monitor your physical reaction to the cold if you are going to be outdoors for an extended period of time.
Preparing your home
- During extreme cold weather to prevent spot freezes in your house, thermostats should be turned up to at least 65 degrees. The temperature inside the walls where the pipes are located is substantially colder than the walls themselves. A temperature lower than 65 degrees might not keep the pipes inside the walls from freezing. Feel your baseboards to see if they are warm, if they are, they are working properly.
- The use of woodstoves or pellet stoves which heat in one area of the home could cause spot freezes in other sections of your house during extreme cold weather. It is best that you use your central heating system during this extreme cold weather.
- Make sure you CO2 detectors have fresh batteries.
- Sealing any drafts is the first step to keeping the inside of your home warm and the cold weather out. Doors and windows can leak heat 24/7, but weather-stripping will give you an added layer of protection.
- Ensure all windows, storm windows and doors are closed; add insulation to prevent drafts.
- Open cabinets and doors under sinks or where plumbing exists.
- Turn off water to outside faucets and spickets, and open valves to let them drain. Allow hot and cold faucets in kitchen and bath to drip or single control faucet in the middle. Know the location of your water shut off valve for your home. If a pipe freeze does occur, call a plumber, and keep the faucet open when thawing to allow water to flow. If a plumber is not available, gradually warm the pipe to restore flow.
- Make sure your fireplace, chimney, and furnace are all working properly in order to keep your home safe while heating it.
- Close your fireplace flue when you are not using it.
- Check current oil level, order fuel if necessary.
- Insulate exposed pipes (both hot and cold), especially under house, with foam insulation.
- Clean your gutters to avoid ice forming in them. Keep a roof rake on hand and clear excessive snow from the roof to prevent ice dams and avoid collapse if excessive amounts of snow fall.
- Reverse your ceiling fans to help distribute heat through the house.
- If a generator is used as backup, confirm it is operational and fuel is secured and stored properly.
- Check on your elderly neighbors.
- Check on any secondary or rental exposures to utilize the same loss prevention techniques as noted above.
- Have some important essentials in your home as a Winter Preparedness Kit in the case that you may need them:
- Flashlights and batteries
- Battery operated radio
- Bottled water
- Medications and first aid kit
- Blankets, warm clothes, and heating alternatives
- Non-perishable foods.
Preparing your vehicle
- If you can, fill up your gas tank.
- Make sure you have the proper tires for icy conditions.
- Having some important essentials in your car as well is also key:
- Jumper Cables
- Flashlight
- First Aid Kit
- Shovel
- Ice Scraper
- Warm Clothes
- Hand Warmers
- Blankets
Preparing your business
- Freezing temperatures could force businesses to close down for several days. Investing in generators can help to ensure businesses will have constant power.
- The ability to make arrangements to allow employees to work from home can help keep businesses operating if commuting becomes unsafe. If your employees still have to drive, remind them to take additional caution due to the winter weather. Drive slowly, give extra time to stop and change direction, bridges can be icy when other road surfaces are not, do not use cruise control during slippery conditions.
- It is always helpful to ensure that there is adequate business coverage, including loss of business income, to help in the case of these events.
- Here are some additional important things to note on winter preparation for your business:
- Ensure the thermostat is set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit in all areas to keep pipes from freezing.
- Turn off water to outside faucets and spickets, and open valves to let them drain. Allow hot and cold faucets in kitchen and bath to drip or single control faucet in the middle. Know the location of your water shut off valve for your home. If a pipe freeze does occur, call a plumber, and keep the faucet open when thawing to allow water to flow. If a plumber is not available, gradually warm the pipe to restore flow.
- Open cabinets and doors under sinks or where plumbing exists.
- Review winter storm contingencies and have alternative power options like generators.
- Set expectation with employees and keep them informed.
- If you are a landlord, you may want to send the information regarding preparing your home to tenants to keep them and the property safe as well.
- Follow weather updates.
- Add ice melt to sidewalks and periodically clear them to keep up with snow accumulation.
- Add non-slip mats and fans for water removal by building entrances.
- Hire a snow/ice removal service.
- Repair any defects in sidewalks and walkways.
- Inspect building insulation.
- Add new tires to the business auto fleet.
- Stay up to date on vehicle maintenance.
- Maintain the roof of your building.
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