Winter Storm Tips
Boston was lucky to be spared the wrath of winter storm Sandy, but the damage to much of New England shows just how destructive nature can be. Winter storms are inevitable in New England, and without a plan you could be putting yourself in danger. It is vital to ensure that your home is prepared for winter storms and power outages before it is too late.
The winter months can wear down your health and your home if you don’t protect yourself. Failing to take care will leave you at risk during the hardest months of the year. Here are some water-related tips for the winter season:
Home Preparation
Failing to winterize your house puts your finances and your own health in danger. Make sure your gutters are clear before the cold weather and frozen debris make it impossible. Keeping your gutters clean also guarantees there will be no water in the basement or foundation of your home.
One common and devastating winter problem is freezing pipes . Find out where your water pipes are, and use insulation to protect the coldest parts of your home. Locate your water valves so that you can cut the water if your pipes leak. Visit the American Water Works Association blog for full instructions on how to winterize your pipes.
Where’s the Water?
Getting caught off-guard by a winter emergency can be made even more serious if you are not well-supplied. Keep a stock of emergency water for drinking, cooking, and flushing the toilet when the power is out and reuse clean water where you can. You can get a FREE water quality analysis here to make sure that you are storing only the highest quality and safest water for your family.
Finding water is one of the biggest challenges during a power outage. If you get your water from a well, a hand pump is a great option for accessing your water without power. These systems would be a great back up plan for communities with wells, and can even be fitted with solar-powered pumps.
Lessons Learned
Hurricane Sandy has shown the Northeast how devastating unexpected storms can be. Preparing your home for the winter could potentially save your life this year. Take a look at a full list of Massachusetts winter storm tips and create a survival kit for your household.
