Winter is a season of beauty and wonder; however, it can be unpredictable and occasionally bring severe weather conditions. For this reason, it is imperative that you’re somewhat prepared. Whether you’re enduring the relentless winds and rain or hunkering down when facing a blizzard or even a tumultuous snowstorm, there are several steps you can take that’ll ensure you’re safe as well as comfortable. This article will empower you to be proactive in your preparations by providing information on vital topics aimed at building self-reliance and survivability.
Understanding the Storm
The Best Resources for Winter Storm Forecasts
Resources such as the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provide storm alerts and forecasts, ensuring you stay informed about upcoming weather. For local information, apps like The Weather Channel and AccuWeather are incredibly useful. Additionally, RadarScope shows their users high-resolution radar data that will help identify storms as early as possible. These tools can be extremely valuable when preparing for a storm.
These online tools will help you understand the weather heading your way and give you real-time updates that will keep you one step ahead of the storm.
The Terminology of a Winter Storm
Winter Storm Outlook: The Winter Storm Outlook indicates the likelihood of a potential threat of a storm that’ll occur within the next 3–7 days.
Winter Weather Watch: The Winter Weather Watch indicates whether there are conditions that are likely to develop into a storm in the near future.
Winter Weather Warning: The Winter Weather Warning indicates when there is threatening weather imminent or occurring now.
Blizzard Warning: The Blizzard Warning indicates when winds and snow are likely to lead to perilous whiteout conditions. There may be 35 mph of wind and continuous snow for three hours that impair visibility, typically to a quarter of a mile.
Ice Storm Warning: The Ice Storm Warning indicates a situation where ice may be 0.25 inches deep or more.
Freezing Rain Advisory: The Freezing Rain Advisory indicates conditions that are less severe than the Ice Storm, but care should still be taken.
Expected Severity
Once you understand the terminology, it is vital that you understand the data surrounding snowfall depth, wind speed, and temperature and their impacts on your life. These components of a winter storm can significantly impact transportation and power.
Snow Depth
A severe snowstorm can significantly impact visibility and road conditions. For example, in the "Snowmageddon" storm, levels reached over 30 inches of snow, causing public transport to stop and airports to close. This left thousands of people stranded. Occasionally, snow can bring down power lines, causing large power outages like in the "Storm of the Century" in 1993. Without power, homes can become uninhabitable due to a lack of heat.
Wind Speed
Powerful winds and heavy snow combine dangerously to form whiteouts and snowdrifts that can block roads completely. Visibility can be reduced to almost nothing, making driving impossible. The 2014 "Polar Vortex" brought freezing temperatures and winds that were life-threatening. For this reason, many businesses remained closed, eventually resulting in food shortages. It’s crucial to understand that a storm’s aftermath can ensure the roads remain treacherous for days after the storm has passed and make it difficult to return to normal routines.
Temperature Drop
As seen during the 2019 "Polar Vortex," temperatures were as low as -30°F, which caused road salting to be futile, resulting in excessively icy conditions. Furthermore, hypothermia is likely for those who do not dress and act appropriately. Finally, water pipes could burst, leading to the failure of heating systems.
Understanding the components of a winter storm and its impacts on transportation, power, and our daily lives can help you be better prepared for storms like "Snowmageddon," “Polar Vortex," and “Storm of the Century,” which serve as examples of how fast conditions can get worse. Once you understand the storm, it is recommended that you start your preparations at least a few days in advance of the storm and pay close attention to the forecast updates.
Considering the risks of a snowstorm, it is vital to prepare in advance. Ensure you have the essential household supplies, be prepared for potential power outages, prepare your house, prepare your vehicle, and, as always, stay informed.
Preparing for the Winter Storm
Essential Supplies
Ensure you’re well stocked with the following list of essential household supplies:
Heating
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Heated blankets, warm clothing, and hand warmers will go a long way.
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Consider buying spare fuel for your heating system, whether that’s wood, diesel, or propane.
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Portable power stations, like the BLUETTI AC200L portable power supply, offer reliable power during outages, keeping your essentials like heaters and communication devices operational. Make sure it’s charged in advance.
Food
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Food can certainly help keep your spirits up when you and your family are hunkering down during a winter storm, so make sure you have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
Water
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You must have a minimum of one gallon of drinking water a day per person. Water for cooking is considered separate.
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Alternatively, you can prevent your water pipes from freezing with insulation.
Lighting
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Flashlights
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Fairy lights
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Candles
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And don’t forget the matches and spare batteries.
Communication
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A radio device or weather alert device is helpful for keeping updated when the internet or phones aren’t available.
Tools
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Shovels are helpful for keeping driveways clear.
Medical
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Ensure an ample supply of essential medications, including a list of dosages and instructions.
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A first-aid kit
Baby
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Diapers
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Formula
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And other essentials
Fire safety
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Keep fire extinguishers maintained
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Test smoke alarms monthly
Pet
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Ensure you have a supply of their food
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Water
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A warm place to shelter your pets
Power
A portable power unit is a lifeline during a storm. With power, you’ll always have warmth, light, refrigerated food and medication, warm food, electrical tools, and all your electrical devices. In our opinion, it is one of the most essential supplies you could have.
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Ideal for mobile use or paired with a home sub-panel for seamless backup during power outages.
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You can charge the AC200L portable power supply to power your devices in cold weather, but avoid recharging it below freezing. The temperature ranges for AC200L when charging are 0-40℃ (32-104℉), and while discharging, it’s -20-40℃ (-4-104℉), making it suitable for severe storm conditions.
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They’re safer to use indoors compared with a generator and have far more functionality.
Be Prepared for Power Outages
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Charge all your required devices in advance.
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If you rely on electrically powered medical devices or have supplies that need to be temperature-regulated, speak with your healthcare professional in advance.
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It could be worth buying a backup generator, portable power station, or home energy device.
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Portable power stations like the BLUETTI AC200L are small and lightweight, ideal for placing anywhere in the home. It is an expandable power station with 2,048 Wh capacity and expandable up to a massive 7,577.6 Wh with additional battery packs, ensuring extended energy for every storm no matter how long. The wall socket (2,400W Max) will charge the unit to 80% in 45 minutes, and the outlets ensure you can power everything you’ll need.
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Home energy storage systems like the BLUETTI AC300+2*B300K offer continuous power for the entire house. Its 3,000W AC output will power most appliances effortlessly. Additionally, the Split Phase Bonding can achieve 240V output for your heavy-duty devices that’ll get you through the storm.
House Preparations
House Structure
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Determine your roof's load-bearing capacity and reinforce it if necessary to withstand heavy snow.
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Check door and window seals and improve your home's insulation to avoid loss of heat.
Carbon Monoxide
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Ventilate your house properly while using heaters or generators.
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Use carbon monoxide detectors and test them regularly.
Water Damage
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It is important to keep your house drainage system effective. Check your gutters regularly and remove any unwanted material that could block the system.
Property Damage
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As we all know, branches are likely to fall from trees during a storm. For this reason, it is important to remove dead or weak tree branches that are more likely to fall.
Insurance and Property Coverage
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Finally, your preparations won’t guarantee your property’s safety, so it is important to check your insurance and understand what is covered during a winter storm.
Vehicle Preparations
You should only travel during a winter storm when it is absolutely necessary. If you decide to drive, it is essential that you prepare your vehicle correctly and understand the risks.
Winter Car Safety Kit
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Jump cables, ice scrapers, and tire chains.
Vehicle Maintenance
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Ensure lights, heaters, and windshield wipers are working properly.
Emergency Kit for the Car
If you're constrained by space or have to pack quickly, here’s the condensed must-have list:
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Cell phone, charger, and battery bank.
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Blanket, sleeping bag, or an emergency survival/thermal blanket (sometimes included in your first aid kit).
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Flashlight and spare batteries.
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Fully stocked and in-date first aid kit.
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High-calorie, non-perishable food items.
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Bottled water.
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Additional warm clothes and a waterproof coat.
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Shovel.
What to Do During a Winter Storm
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Stay informed before, during, and after the storm has occurred.
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Remain indoors when possible.
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Only drive during the day if it is absolutely necessary.
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While putting your safety first, support others who may require assistance.
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Ensure your vehicle is prepared.
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Inform someone of your route and schedule.
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Call 511 for road conditions and emergency closures before your journey.
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Wear loose-fitting clothes and plenty of layers.
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Reduce your risk of getting hypothermia by staying as dry as possible.
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Make sure you are warm before shoveling snow to avoid injury. Additionally, take breaks and avoid overexertion. A snowstorm is the worst time to get injured because you may not be able to get the medical attention you need.
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Heaters or generators must have effective ventilation.
What to Do After a Winter Storm
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Stay updated.
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Call 211 to find out about local warming centers and shelters. They will also answer any other storm-related questions.
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Avoid driving, but if essential, drive carefully as road conditions may remain poor several days after the storm has passed.
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Keep clear of hazards like fallen power lines and trees. You should report any sightings to 911.
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Clear snow from fragile roofs to avoid collapses.
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Clear exhaust pipes to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Check on vulnerable individuals and animals when it is safe to do so.
Conclusion
As you now know, winter storms are unpredictable and can present a serious threat. However, you can reduce these risks by being vigilant with your preparations. By understanding the storm, having the necessary supplies, and taking action to protect your property and your vehicle whilst also having a well-thought-out emergency plan, you will be able to significantly improve your situation and ensure comfort throughout any winter storm.
Don’t wait until the storm is upon you! Be proactive and protect yourself and your family by building self-dependence and resilience.
FAQ
How Do You Survive in Your Car During a Blizzard?
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The inside of your vehicle is the warmest and safest place to be.
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Clear snow from the exhaust pipe to ensure the air in your vehicle remains clean.
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Wear as many layers as possible!
What Not to Do in a Snowstorm?
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Mishandling of snowblower.
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Keeping a car running when it's snow banked.
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Heading out of a stuck car to find help.
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Wearing wet gloves and clothes.
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Reckless sledding.
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Never use a gas generator indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this risks carbon monoxide poisoning.
Should You Salt Before or After a Snowstorm?
Both! Pre-storm salting, in addition to salting, will prevent ice from bonding to surfaces. Salt is most effective above 15°F, so consider using salt alternatives like sand, beet juice, or commercial snowmelt products for extreme cold.
How to Prepare and Stay Safe During a Blizzard?
Follow the guide above and ensure you are stocked up on supplies, your house is well insulated, and you have a backup power supply.
