What to do when a storm threatens...

The following information is intended to help you use the final hours before the storm hits most efficiently, highlighting things you can do now that are intended to help keep your family safe and minimize damage to your home.

 

Protect Your Home.

Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes. When water freezes in a pipe, it blocks the flow of water, often causing pressure to build and the pipe to burst. This is a major cause of loss for homeowners; however, there are actions you can take to help avoid it. Follow these tips to help proactively prevent loss.

• During extended periods of freezing temperatures, maintain a minimum thermostat setting of 60°F throughout your home.
• To prevent exterior faucets from freezing, each faucet should be shut off from inside the home, as well as any water drained from the pipe. Exterior irrigation systems should be winterized to help prevent freezing.
• Still water freezes faster than running water. On frigid nights, turn on a faucet to a slow drip at the highest point in your home.
• Identify where the main water valve and the valve on your water heater are located for quick access during an emergency.

Test your Generator. Confirm that your generator is fueled up, or that its permanent fuel supply line is unobstructed. While many generators feature a regular “test mode” cycle, owners of the quietest models have reported not knowing whether or not the tests ran. As such, consider starting it up to ensure it’s working properly so as to avoid surprises when it’s needed most.

 

Protect Your Family.

Here are a few things every family should consider, as well as some additional resources you might find helpful:

Check your disaster kit. Make sure it has enough food, water, batteries, and other supplies to last your family at least three days. Click to read what a well-stocked kit should include.

Driving Safely in Snow or Ice.

• Clean the snow and ice off your vehicle before driving. Snow and ice can become dangerous projectiles that can damage other cars and affect your visibility and the visibility of other drivers.
• Maintain a safe driving distance. Increasing your driving distance in winter weather will allow you plenty of room to maneuver your car should an emergency occur.
• Keep your lights on while driving. Keeping your lights on allows other drivers on the road to see your car more easily. Don’t forget to make sure your lights are clear of ice and snow before you head out to drive.
• Keep an emergency winter kit in your car. Your emergency winter kit should consist of the following items: a snow shovel, ice scraper, cell phone, flashlight, jumper cables, tire chains, lock deicer and blankets.
• Maintain a full tank of gas. You never know when bad weather can strike, and with a full tank of gas you may be much better off if you are stuck in traffic delays.
• Slow down while driving. The posted speed limit on roads is intended for dry weather conditions, not snow and icy conditions. Slow your speed down while on the road to help avoid an accident. If you are driving a 4x4 vehicle, don’t become overconfident while out on the road.
• Take extra care when backing up your vehicle. Before backing up make sure your windows are free and clear of debris. At PURE, single-vehicle accidents are a major cause of loss for our membership.