Winter Storm Preparedness: Home Freeze Checklist to Prevent Damage

Essential Supplies for Winter Storms

• 🛒 Stock up on essentials like water, shelf-stable foods, batteries, flashlights, and candles/lighters without panic buying.
• 💡 These items are crucial for hunkering down, especially if power outages occur.
• 🚚 Grocery stores are receiving regular supply shipments, so there's no need to clear the shelves.

Dressing for Extreme Cold

• 🧥 Wear multiple layers of clothing to help retain body heat.
• 👢 Ensure you have waterproof boots to prevent feet from getting wet and freezing.
• 🧣 Cover exposed skin with a hat and face covering when spending extended time outdoors.

Recognizing Hypothermia

• ⚠️ In adults, hypothermia symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss, and slurred speech.
• 👶 In babies, signs can include bright red, cold skin, and low energy.
• 🚨 Seek immediate medical attention if hypothermia is suspected.

Protecting Home Plumbing

• 💧 Disconnect and roll up outdoor hoses, ensuring no water remains inside.
• 🔧 Cover outdoor faucets with hose protectors or insulating materials.
• ⚙️ Shut off and bleed sprinkler backflow preventers by closing valves and draining them to prevent freezing and expansion.
• 🏠 For homes with less heat in attics or garages, shutting off the main water supply can prevent extensive flooding if pipes freeze.

Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety

• 🔥 Use space heaters safely, keeping them at least 3 feet from flammable materials and plugging them directly into the wall, avoiding extension cords.
• 🚫 Never use a stove or oven to heat your home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• 🚗 Do not run vehicles inside garages to stay warm, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• ⚠️ Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms like headaches, nausea, and vomiting, and call 911 immediately if experienced.