When winter storms strike, being prepared can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation. Having your home ready for severe weather emergencies protects both your property and your family's safety.

Essential Emergency Kit

Start by assembling a comprehensive emergency kit that includes flashlights with extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, first-aid supplies, necessary medications, non-perishable food, and bottled water for at least three days. Keep blankets, warm clothing, and sleeping bags accessible in case of power outages. Don't forget about your pets – include food, water, and any medications they need as well.

Power Outage Preparedness

Power outages are common during winter storms, so have backup heating options that don't rely on electricity. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, stock up on seasoned firewood before winter hits. Never use outdoor cooking equipment like gas grills or camping stoves indoors, as they produce deadly carbon monoxide. Speaking of which, ensure you have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and near sleeping areas, and test them monthly. During power outages when people might use alternative heating sources, carbon monoxide poisoning risks increase dramatically.

Frozen Pipe Prevention

Protect your pipes from freezing, which can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Know where your main water shutoff valve is located and make sure everyone in your household knows how to turn it off in an emergency. Keep cabinet doors open under sinks during extreme cold to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. If temperatures drop well below freezing, let faucets drip slightly – the movement of water helps prevent freezing, and it's much cheaper than repairing burst pipes.

Food and Water Storage

Keep your pantry stocked with easy-to-prepare foods that don't require cooking or refrigeration. Have manual can openers available, as electric ones won't work during power outages. Fill bathtubs with water before a storm hits – this provides water for flushing toilets and washing if your water supply is disrupted. Keep cell phones fully charged and consider investing in portable battery banks to keep devices powered during outages.

Vehicle Emergency Preparedness

Your car should also be winter-ready, as you might need to seek shelter elsewhere or help could be delayed in reaching you. Keep the gas tank at least half full during winter months, and stock your vehicle with blankets, snacks, water, a shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit. If you lose heat in your home and can't resolve the issue quickly, your car can serve as a temporary warm refuge as long as you're careful about carbon monoxide by keeping the area around the exhaust pipe clear.

Stay Informed and Connected

Finally, stay informed about weather conditions and heed warnings from local authorities. Sign up for emergency alerts through your local government and weather services. Have a communication plan for your family, including an out-of-state contact person everyone can check in with if local phone lines are overwhelmed. Keep important documents like insurance policies, identification, and medical records in a waterproof, portable container so you can grab them quickly if evacuation becomes necessary.

"Taking preparedness steps might seem like overkill during mild winters, but when a serious storm hits, you'll be grateful for your foresight. Winter emergencies can happen quickly, and having your home and family prepared provides invaluable peace of mind."

- PI Homes Safety Team

At PI Homes, we care about the safety and well-being of Edmonton homeowners. Whether you need help with emergency repairs, home improvements, or general maintenance, our team is ready to assist you before, during, and after winter storms.