Staying Safe During A Blizzard

As the East Coast is being hammered by the second snowstorm in less than a week, many Americans are looking for was to stay safe and protect their property from damage.

During a blizzard, staying indoors is the safest thing to do, as most people die in car accidents on slippery roads or freeze when stuck in a vehicle.

Those who need to travel should carrying a survival kit with a shovel, windshield scraper, battery powered radio, extra batteries, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares and a fluorescent distress flag.

It is also important to always keep the fuel tank above half full.

Individuals who become stranded in a vehicle during a snowstorm should stay inside and run the car for short periods of time to provide heat, cracking the windows slightly open to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Moreover, a stranded person should clap their hands, stomp their feet and move around as much as possible at least once an hour, according to Weather.com.

Meanwhile, experts from the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) offered tips on how to prevent property damage during blizzards. They include clearing out basement window wells of snow and removing snow from windows and doors to prevent water from seeping through frames. Snow should always be shoveled away from the home’s walls.

In order to avoid accumulation of noxious gasses inside, it is important to clear the areas around exhaust pipes and air vents on heaters, furnaces and dryers.

RIA also recommends removing snow from the roof using a rake since excess snow that melts quickly can freeze in the eaves and cause ice dams.

Finally, all drains and gutters should be free from dirt and debris, and owners should watch the property for unexpected flooding since the ground may not be able to absorb a lot of moisture.