Preparing for a Winter Storm

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Did you know that 60% of temperature related deaths are caused by cold exposure During extremely cold weather or winter storms, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should know how to prepare your home and your car before a winter storm hits.

Here is more information to help you prepare for an emergency:

Weatherproof your home

  • NEVER plug space heaters into extension cords or surge protectors.
  • Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.
  • Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
  • Insulate walls and attic.
  • Below freezing temperatures? Open cabinet doors under sinks in kitchen and bathroom to allow warm air flow.
  • Install storm or thermal-pane windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
  • Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm.
  • Unhook garden hoses from outdoor faucets
  • Cover the faucets with insulation

For older adults, keep an easy-to-read thermometer inside your home

If you or a loved one are over 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently. Our ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age. Older adults are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold. Check the temperature of your home often during the winter months.

Make sure your car is ready for winter weather

Have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends. In addition, every fall, do the following:

  • Have the radiator system serviced or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add antifreeze as needed.
  • Get your car battery tested and fill your gas tank.
  • Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
  • Make sure the tires on your car have adequate tread and air pressure. Replace any worn tires and fill low tires with air to the proper pressure recommended for your car (typically between 30-35 psi).
  • Keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
  • Keep your car in good working order. Be sure to check the following: heater, defroster, brakes, brake fluid, ignition, emergency flashers, exhaust, oil, and battery.
  • Have these in your car: First-aid kit, gloves, hats and blankets —enough for everyone who may ride in your car– extra clothes, portable phone charger, drinking water (fill halfway to prevent from freezing), and non-perishable snacks.
  • Have these for your car: Jumper cables, basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench), cloth or roll of paper towel, flashlight with extra batteries, warning devices (flares or triangles), snow shovel, bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats, ice scraper with brush.

Winter storms can affect more than travel. Power outages, food safety concerns and home heating risks often follow. N.C. Cooperative Extension works year-round to help families and communities prepare for situations like these.

  • Carbon Monoxide Safety
    What to know about using generators, space heaters and other alternative heat sources safely.

For real-time weather forecasts, road conditions and emergency instructions, residents should continue to follow guidance from local governments, emergency management officials and trusted weather sources, including the National Weather Service and ReadyNC.

For food safety information, agricultural production guidance and household safety tips before and after the storm, your local N.C. Cooperative Extension center remains a trusted source of practical, research-based resources that help North Carolinians stay safe and prepared year-round.

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