Storm Preparation Tips

Posted on October 13th, 2015 by Devine Bros

When you live in New England, severe storms are a year-round threat. Hurricane season takes up half the year, running from June 1^st through November 30^th, and you still have to worry about heavy snowfall and spring thunderstorms during the offseason.

No matter what season it is, you can stay safe and comfortable throughout the storm with a little bit of preparation. Here’s some tips to help you out:

Prepare Your Family

When there is a severe storm on the horizon, the safety of yourself and your family should be at the top of your priority list. Here is how you can keep everyone safe in the event of a storm:

• Stock up. If you have ever been to a grocery store before a storm, you know how hectic it can be. Get there as early as possible and buy a week’s-worth of food for everyone in the family. Don’t rush for the bread and milk – worry about water and non-perishables. You should also restock on medication and other essential needs.

• Have a plan. In the event of evacuation, you need an escape plan. Make arrangements ahead of time for transportation, lodging, what to do if you become separated.

Prepare Your Property

While your home is sheltering you from the harsh weather conditions, it is taking a beating of its own. Here are some tips to minimize damage inflicted to your home:

• Clean your yard. This is more for hurricanes and other storms with strong winds. If you have lawn decorations or furniture, the last thing you want is for them to come flying through your window.

• Board up. Again, this one is more for hurricanes than anything else. Windows can shatter from the force of high winds; you don’t want that broken glass being turned into a projectile weapon. If you are expecting severe winds, be safe and use hurricane shutters or just board up your windows.

• Insulate. During severe snow storms, you could be without heat for multiple days. Keep your house as warm as possible by insulating your windows and pipes with store-bought insulation, newspaper, or blankets.

Prepare for a Blackout

Whether rain or snow, power outages are a very real possibility. Make sure you are prepared for an extended blackout by following these instructions:

• Light the way. Besides entertainment, finding an adequate source of light is one of the problems we must face during a power outage. The sun will be sufficient during the day, and you can use candles, lanterns, or flashlights at night – just make sure to have a reserve of batteries.

• Protect your food. It doesn’t take food in the refrigerator very long to expire during a power outage. Having two coolers fully stocked with ice is your best bet to save your food if the power does go out; if you don’t have a cooler try lowering your thermostat all the way at the beginning of the storm and minimize how many times you open the fridge throughout.

• Invest in a generator. The best way to prepare for a full-blown blackout is with an automatic backup generator. These units will automatically detect when the power is out, and supply enough energy to power your entire home until it is restored.

Interested in investing in an automatic backup generator for your Norwalk home? The professional technicians at Devine Bros. can have one up-and-running in no time! We install generators throughout the entire Fairfield County area, click here for more information.