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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Last Minute Winter Storm Preparation

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Snow storm background with the text "Last minute winter storm preparation" with the SERVPRO of Greater Waco logo Need emergency water restoration services? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

Winter weather is expected to hit Texas hard this week. If we learned anything from last year it was to be prepared.  With it just a couple days away, what can you do that you already haven’t done?  Here’s our last-minute check list to make sure you’re emergency weather ready.

  1. Seal any windows or doors- Most home improvement stores still have weather striping and caulk. Make sure to seal up any windows and doors. For an emergency, towels or blankets can be placed at the base of doors and windows to prevent cold drafts.
  2. Make sure you have enough food, water, medication and toilet paper to last a week- Baby wipes and waterless soap is also great to have to stay clean but whatever you do, purchase only what you needed and do not hoard.
  3. Low hanging trees- One of the biggest reasons electricity goes out is because of low hanging trees taking out powerlines. Contact your electricity provider for service of limbs touching or within 10 feet of power lines and do not attempt to trim them yourself.  Limbs near your roof however need to be trimmed to prevent damage to your home.
  4. Prepare your pipes- Wrap pipes in cold spaces in your home with insulation and wrap water mains and outdoor faucets with a towel, plastic bag and tape to prevent freezing. You’ll also want to drip faucets slowly to keep water flowing.
  5. Do laundry- Texas isn’t known for long bouts of cold so most only use a couple long sleeve hoodies or coats. Make sure all blankets, coats and other cold weather gear is clean and ready to go in case of long-term electrical outages.
  6. Sand or kitty litter- Make sure to grab a couple bags of sand or kitty litter while out on your weekly run to de-ice steps and walkways.
  7. Check on your pets- Make sure they have enough food, water and medication for the week. Also, make sure they have a warm shelter and extra bedding. A small amount of molasses in water can be used to prevent water from freezing and encourages pets to drink when it’s cold.
  8. Charge devices and power packs- Make sure everything is charged so you can receive emergency notifications, need to reach emergency services or in case of evacuation.
  9. Check your vehicle- Make sure your oil doesn’t need to be changed, tires are in good shape and top up your gas tank so you aren’t left stranded.
  10. Check emergency medical supplies- Make sure your first aid kit is full not just for your home but also your vehicle. Also, make sure to put a blanket or two in your vehicle in case you get stranded with water and a few nonperishable food items like granola bars.  We also recommend a roll of toilet paper and extra socks in case you have to get out of your vehicle. Plastic bags and duct tape make great emergency water proof boot covers. Also, if you’ve invested in a generator, make sure you have enough emergency fuel and that your generator can safely power your home.

Whatever you do, avoid hoarding supplies and only travel, if necessary, in storm conditions.  While northern states infrastructure is made for the couple of days of winter weather, Texas is not and neither are the vehicles.  Stay safe and warm and remember that if you do have a burst pipe or any other restoration emergency, SERVPRO of Greater Waco will still be working 24/7.

Need emergency water restoration services? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

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