Severe Weather:What you Need to Know

Wednesday November 08, 2023

 

IT'S NOT IF....IT'S WHEN. 

Winter is here and winter storms are inevitable -when they meet our outdated electric power infrastructure, the result is often widespread power outages. 


The time to prepare is before severe weather hits. It’s not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’ the next storm hits-will you and your loved ones be ready? And what do you need to do to better prepare at home, work, school, and on the road?

Winter weather preparedness consists of THREE SIMPLE STEPS:

1.PREPARE YOUR HOME AND FAMILY FOR SEVERE WEATHER

Make a plan and practice the plan with your family and those who depend on you.

Build a kit. Create an emergency preparedness kit with at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water for your home and office. Kits prepared for vehicle road travel and winter weather evacuation go-kits are also advised.

2.HOME BACKUP POWER. COMFORT. SECURITY. CONVENIENCE.

A permanently installed Generac home backup generator protects your home automatically. It runs on natural gas or liquid propane (LP) fuel, and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit. A home backup generator delivers power directly to your home’s electrical system, backing up your entire home or just the most essential items.

Have A Backup Heating Source

While this is probably the most obvious point, it is also quite possibly the most important. If your home’s heating system breaks down in the middle of winter, having a backup generator for your home to restore power can actually be a lifesaving piece of equipment.

Continue Running Your Business

Having a backup generator for your home or business can allow you to keep working or avoid closing down in the event that your area loses power. A power outage can be extremely costly to a small business or to anyone who does freelance work for a living, so why take the chance?

Keep Essential Appliances Running

Making sure you have a backup generator for your home can help you rest easy knowing that you won’t have to throw out an entire refrigerator full of food if the power goes out for any extended period of time. It is also a great way to make sure that your mobile devices, home security systems, or essential medical equipment has the power it needs to keep functioning when the power goes out.

Keep Your Sump Pump Running

If your home has a basement and you lose power in the middle of a storm, that means your sump pump will no longer be working. Water damage isn’t cheap to repair, and can lead to a lasting nightmare as it is extremely difficult to isolate and repair water damage. 

3.STAY INFORMED. STAY SAFE. WHEN THE STORM HITS.

Winter Storm Watch

This product is issued by the National Weather Service when there is a potential for heavy snow or significant ice accumulations, usually at least 24 to 36 hours in advance. The criteria for this watch can vary from place to place. 

Winter Storm Warning

This product is issued by the National Weather Service when a winter storm is producing or is forecast to produce heavy snow or significant ice accumulations. The criteria for this warning can vary from place to place.

Blizzard Warning

Issued for winter storms with sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher with considerable falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to 1/4 of a mile or less. These conditions are expected to prevail for a minimum of 3 hours.

During the Winter Storm

• Walk carefully on snowy, icy walkways

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow; overexertion can bring on a heart attack — a major cause of death in the winter

• Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately

• Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day, don't travel alone, keep others informed of your schedule, stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts

• Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors

Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide

If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door

Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you

CALL CHAPPLE ELECTRIC TODAY FOR YOUR FREE IN-HOME ASSESSMENT.