Winter Safety Tips For The Upstate.

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

The New Year is finally here. We know you probably have a few New Years Resolutions for yourself, but now is the perfect time to prepare you and your family for the upcoming winter weather. The first step to overcoming or avoiding disaster is to prepare now. The more prepared you are now, the better you can handle an emergency. Below are a few winter safety suggestions you can use to keep you and your family safe. 

Prepare Your Car: 

Roadside emergencies can happen any time, but being stuck on the road during cold weather is the worst. Prepare for the worst by winterizing your car now, and save yourself from stress and headaches in the future. 

• Check your tires and replace them with all-weather tires if necessary. Check your spare tire as well. 
• Use a wintertime fluid in your windshield washer. 
• If you do not already have one, make an emergency kit for your car. Whether you get a flat tire, you slip off the road, or you run out of fuel, an emergency car kit can help you get back on the road quickly and safely. Include bottled water, nonperishable high energy snacks, a first aid kit, multi-tool or swiss army knife, blankets, an extra change of clothes, flashlights, extra batteries, portable cell phone chargers, jumper cables, spare tire, a tire gauge, foam tire sealant, a jack and lug wrench, tow straps, extra cash for emergencies, rags and hand wipes (baby wipes are a great option), a small 5 lb fire extinguisher (class B or C), and emergency flares or reflective triangles. 
• You should also include winter-specific items such as mittens, socks and hats, hand warmers, a bag of non-clumping cat litter (to help you regain traction if needed), a shovel, and an ice scraper. Once you have gathered all your supplies, store them in a box or container that you can easily access in your vehicle.   

Prepare Your Home: 

Winterize your home to protect you and your family from potential damage that cold temperatures may bring. 

• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. During the winter season, there is an increase in fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Checking these devices now can increase your chances of surviving a fire or avoiding CO2 poisoning. 
• Check your heating systems. 
• Clean out chimneys and fireplaces. 
• Keep a power outage kit in your home. If you lose power for a significant amount of time, be prepared by having enough water and nonperishable food to last for three days for each family member, a first aid kit, extra batteries, flashlights, and baby items (if needed).
• Invest in a portable generator for your home. Remember you should only use a generator outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Never use them indoors, in a garage, or close to your home. 

Prepare Yourself: 

• Stay indoors during inclement weather. 
• Be careful when you go out. Watch out for ice and snow on walkways. 
• Keep your clothes dry. Wet clothing loses its warmth and rapidly transmits cold. 

If you experience damage from winter storms - don't panic! Call SERVPRO of Pickens County. No matter the size or type of disaster you experience, we will make it “Like it never even happened.”