BEFORE A BLIZZARD
As beautiful as new fallen snow can be, it can also be disruptive, destructive, and deadly. Blizzard preparedness can be key to your survival.
Heavy snow on roadways can make for dangerous driving. Snow on power lines can also cause power outages that can last for days. Being prepared for heavy snowfall and having extra emergency supplies on hand is the best way to make sure your family stays safe both during and after the storm.
Remember “Snowmageddon” in 2010? Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region were buried under snow, leaving many without power and heat for days. Roads were impassable for days—and in some neighborhoods, it took weeks to clear them! Schools were closed for nearly a week and a half, and it felt like all of Maryland had come to a standstill.
Now, imagine if something like that happened again—or if it was even worse. Would you be ready this time?
Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
- Water: One gallon of water per person per day for three days (both drinking and sanitation)
- Food: Three-day supply, non-perishable
- Battery or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Dust mask, plastic sheeting, and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties (personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local paper maps
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter, or solar charger
Family Communication Plan:
- Your family may not be together; plan how you will contact one another.
- Create a contact card for all family members and keep them in a wallet, purse, backpack, briefcase, etc.
- Check emergency plans with your children’s day care or school.
- Identify a non-local friend or relative household members can notify when they are safe. They may be in a better position to communicate between separated families.
- If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get ahold of someone you know.
- Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.
HERE ARE SOME LINKS TO HELP YOU PREPARE AND STAY SAFE:
- Download & Print the FEMA Emergency Supply List:
- Winter Storm Preparedness:
If we were to experience another massive blizzard this winter, would you be ready? Blizzards, like hurricanes, often provide some advance warning, but are you truly prepared days in advance?
Many people procrastinate, waiting until the last minute to take action. While forecasts can tell you when a storm might hit the Maryland area, they can’t predict the exact time or snowfall amount. For example, last year, the forecast ranged from 3 inches to 2 feet of snow!
Blizzards can leave you without power or heat for days, and snow’s weight can cause serious damage, like collapsing roofs. The best way to handle a blizzard is to prepare well in advance and expect more snow than predicted.
Make sure your home and family are ready for the unexpected. If you have questions or concerns about your coverage, contact Huff Insurance today. We’re here to help you stay protected.