WINTER CAN BE A DECEPTIVE KILLER!
Rule #One, Stay Informed!
The first rule in being prepared for any crisis, is to stay informed! That being said, stay alert to changing weather conditions with weather phone apps, local T.V. News and NOAA radio alerts. You can also click here and get set up to receive free National Weather Service Alerts custom for your state.
Arguably the Worst Winter Storm Hazard!
One, if not the worst storm hazards that everyone should be prepared for is a power outage. Not only can it last for a few hours, but for several days and in some cases even weeks. So, having a plan in the advance is vital. That being said, it does not have to be expensive or difficult. None the less, very few people are prepared. Are you?
Serious consideration in Cold Country!
Should you lose your heat due to a power failure, the inside air temperature will eventually drop to equal the outside air temp. In addition, the colder the outside air the quicker the temperature will drop inside your home. Consequently, if your body temperature falls below 95 F (35 C) Hypothermia becomes a realistic and dangerous threat! In areas prone to winter storms and power outages, having supplemental backup heat is vital.
When All Else Fails
On the other hand, if supplemental heat is not an option, there are steps you can take to stay as warm as possible. Such as, wear layered clothing and utilize every blanket or sleeping bag you can find. Additionally, close off unused rooms to retain heat and use rolled up towels, pillow cases or whatever is available to insulate the base of doors and windows. Remember as your body temperature approaches hypothermia range, just thinking straight can become a serious challenge. Therefore, you must have a plan to stay warm in the event you lose your primary heat. There are some very affordable emergency heat options and we’ve included a few links below. There may be a discount applied but there is never an additional cost to you for purchasing through our affiliate links.
THINK INDOOR SAFE AND PORTABLE EMERGENCY HEAT
Ask yourself if you lose electricity to your home will you also lose your heat with it? If the simple answer is yes, then you need a plan to keep your family warm with safe and portable backup heat. Thanks to modern technology, there are now safe, portable and affordable heaters to choose from. Click here to check out some offered on Amazon.
* Purchasing through the affiliate links on this site may provide some discount, but never additional cost to you.
Kerosene heaters are also great for backup heat. However, as with any type of heater you choose, be sure it is in-door safe!
Important to remember all fuel heaters produce Carbon Monoxide, some more than others. When using space heaters in an enclosed space, always follow the operating instructions and allow for adequate ventilation. Keep all heaters at least four feet from anything flammable. For a Click here for a Free PDF report by UAF on portable space heater safety.
Just in case you’re thinking you are not at risk? So did Floridians in Tampa Bay area hit by a winter storm on January 4th, 2018. It knocked out power to over 7,000 residents.
Woman waited 30 hours for an ambulance in New York City
By Samantha Gross Associated Press Published: Dec.28, 2010
Another winter storm hazard is when roads become clogged by snow or completely impassable. Emergency responders have to contend with streets blocked by abandoned vehicles or may even get stuck in the snow themselves. In heavy storms, it is not uncommon for 911 operators to get inundated with calls creating a backlog. Large cities can have back logs by the hundreds if not thousands. With that in mind, it pays to be extra careful and avoid hazardous or strenuous activity.
Do you know what the #1 winter killer is every year?
Just as portable heat beats layered clothing and blankets when the heat goes out, having backup Emergency Power in the event of a prolonged power outage, just makes good sense.
Having a generator on hand with even a small amount of electrical power, can allow you charge your cell phone, power a couple of lights, or larger generators can produce enough to power to keep your home operating until the electricity returns. For answers to questions like How Big of a Generator Should I Get? Click here
To operate the right generator safely, there are things to consider and serious hazards to avoid such as NEVER use a generator indoors. Click here for FEMA facts and safety information on the safe and proper use of household generators including:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning from the engine exhaust
- Fire
- Electrocution
Every winter bout 100 Americans die from heart attacks related to shoveling snow.
At least 49 people have died as a result of the mammoth snowstorm
Posted By Fox 17 story by Bob Brenzing January 27, 2016,
DON’T BE A STATISTIC!
The second leading cause of death in winter storms is traffic accidents. There is also a potential for exhaustion, dehydration and back injuries from shoveling snow. Many people are hospitalized with lacerations and amputations or even worse fatally injured by power equipment like Snow Blowers, Chainsaws, and Chippers some even by Electrocution from contacting downed power lines or broken tree limbs in contact with downed energized power lines. Many others are permanently injured or killed falling from ladders, trees, and high roofs. Think, plan, prepare and don’t be a statistic!
