Winter Storm Blair – described as the most widespread winter storm of the season so far – will sweep through the central and eastern U.S. this weekend into Monday. A press release Friday from State Farm Insurance urges homeowners and drivers to prepare now to ensure safety and prevent damage.
As the largest insurer of homes and cars in the country, State Farm collected data from last year’s winter storm season that showed over 240,000 homeowners and vehicle owners were impacted by catastrophic winter storms and subsequently filed claims for damages. These statistics highlight how widespread the damage can be and underscore the importance of preparing to prevent such damage.
Before Blair makes her appearance in Kansas, review these tips for your home, vehicle and travel plans:
- Fireplace Checkup: If you burn wood in your fireplace, get your chimney inspected yearly for creosote build-up.
- Debris-Free Zone: Remove branches and debris around your HVAC, gas meters, basement windows, and dryer exhaust vent. This will prevent damage from heavy snow or ice covered branches and falling limbs.
- Roof Check: Ensure gutters are clean and securely attached to help prevent ice dams, which can cause leaks and damage.
- Faucet Winterizing: Disconnect hoses from outdoor spigots, drain and turn them off. Blow out sprinkler systems.
Bonus tips for when it’s unusually cold:
- Let water drip from hot and cold faucets overnight.
- Keep cabinet doors under kitchen, bathroom and laundry room sinks open, as well as doors to exterior wall bathrooms and other plumbing to allow warm air to circulate. If you open the cabinet doors, remove anything inside the cabinets that may pose a safety hazard to children or pets, such as household cleaners.
Drivers’ checklist for winter storm preparedness:
Drivers should prepare their vehicles for safe travel as road conditions become hazardous by getting rid of the “trunk junk” and adding the right supplies. Essentials should include standard roadside hazard items such as a hazard triangle, jumper cables, tire changing tools and a first aid kit. Keep these emergency essentials in your trunk during winter:
Stay warm:
- Hats, gloves, scarves and blanket.
- Hand & foot warmers.
- Wool socks.
Stay visible & connected:
- Flashlight & extra batteries.
- Bright cloth to tie on your car or flares.
- Phone charger and make sure all cell phones and tablets are fully charged.
Driving tips for navigating winter road conditions:
- Icy Conditions: Avoid sharp turns and sudden brakes on icy roads. Let the car ahead clear the hill before you start, drive steadily and brake carefully to avoid skidding and swerving.
- Snowy Roads: Snowy roads impact your ability to stop and maneuver. Slow down and approach intersections gently. If you slide, steer in the direction of the skid. Avoid cruise control, drive slower, and double your following distance to be safe. Avoid the impulse to brake hard. Instead, ease off the accelerator, slowly tap the brakes to slow momentum and eventually come to a complete stop.
- Black ice: When snow melts and re-freezes, black ice can form. It’s a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that’s tricky to spot. If you expect black ice, you should, if possible, delay driving until temperatures warm. Otherwise, slow down and increase your following distance.
Dane Hicks is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School at Quantico, VA. He is the author of novels "The Skinning Tree" and "A Whisper For Help." As publisher of the Anderson County Review in Garnett, KS., he is a recipient of the Kansas Press Association's Boyd Community Service Award as well as more than 60 awards for excellence in news, editorial and photography.
