Your guide to winter weather preparedness
We all remember the winter of 2014-15 and the seemingly endless blizzards. While no one can say what is in store for us this winter, it is NEVER too late to be prepared.
We have put together a helpful guide of useful resources on winter storm preparedness and encourage you to take steps now so that you can enjoy the beauty of a New England Winter from your warm and dry home.
Ready.gov has a lot of valuable information on what to expect and how to prepare for winter storms and extreme cold.
- Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
- Winterize your Home
- Winterize your Vehicle
- Carbon monoxide
A helpful and practical resource for making sure you have what you need in case of a large storm. Checklists include heating, cooking and lighting, food and safety, water, and car emergency checklists.
Red Cross Winter Storm Preparedness
The red cross has valuable information on how to prepare for and respond during and after a serious winter storm. The guide includes how to put together a supply kit, winterizing your home and vehicle, and remaining safe during a storm.
Preventing Water Damage to Your Home
Water can contribute to settling, foundation cracks and leaks. And standing water, even in a dirt crawlspace, promotes growth of mold and bugs.
It's easier (and cheaper!) to prevent these things than to fix them after they occur. After this New England winter we have found that many companies that do this work are booked up in advance. Now is the time to think about planning these improvements before next Winter.
Read our article on tips to preventing water damage to your home located here.
Boston Reddit contributors have shared their insights on how to prepare for the next Boston winter in this both useful and amusing thread….
Highlights include :
"Buy a roof rake now if you own a home and have the slightest inkling that you might need one. They only cost around $35 or so, and finding one when you absolutely need it will be like winning the lottery."
"LL Bean flannel lined jeans are amazing. Kept me nice and warm for hours of shoveling last winter."
"Buy lots of French bread, eggs, milk and butter. Trust me."
"Have blankets, water/food, and an emergency supplies kit (bandaids, extra phone charger) so you can get help and wait for it to arrive should your car break down somewhere"
"One of those backup extra cell phone charger super batteries."
"Pay attention to snow emergency zones. All of a sudden that parking spot that has been perfectly cleaned and shovelled out by you, that you've been parking in all year, suddenly becomes a tow zone simple because there's snow on the ground."
"Scarves are awesome and modular. You'd be surprised what a difference they can make."
Of course have a little fun too. Make sure you have sleds and boots ready for action and don't forget to stock up on hot cocoa.