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Dallas Winter Storms: Making an Emergency Kit
12/23/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company in Dallas Texas.
Winter Storm Preparedness
Winter Storm Preparedness in Texas may not be a consistent need. For the last few years in Dallas, our winter weather has consisted of just a few days of freezing temperatures affecting us.
Nevertheless, one important thing we’ve learned in our business is: never say never.
Our office and employees must be prepared for any sized disaster, no matter what. After all, we can’t respond to cold weather calls like emergency floods if we’re in the middle of an emergency ourselves. This is why when the weather forecasts is calling for below freezing temperatures, we prepare our office, vehicles, and homes for the weather.
To be prepared for a possible winter storm, consider items we have in our own preparedness kits.
Dallas Vehicle Winter Preparedness Kit
This kit supposes that an emergency may include being stranded for any reason and you have to wait to be helped.
- First Aid Kit
- Blanket, wrapped in a plastic bag to keep clean
- Mittens, Hats, Jackets, also wrapped in plastic bags
- Cell Phone Charger
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries for flashlight
- Ice Scraper
- Flares
- Tow Rope
- Kitty Litter
- Full Tank of Gas (or Full Electric Charge)
- Spare Tire
- Jumper Cables, 8ft 10 gauge
- Pet food, if traveling with pets
- Pet leash
- Bottled water
- NOAA Weather Radio
If you’re heading out during winter storm conditions, remember to prepare yourself personally. Layering warm clothes helps you keep your body heat and keeps your body protected from the cold.
If you are not physically well, avoid overexertion. Many heart attacks occur as a result of people attempting cardio intensive activities like shoveling snow.
Home Winter Preparedness Kit
This kit is helpful if the power goes out of your neighborhood and you have to wait for it and your heater to come back on. This is not a kit for homes that live where there is consistent, heavy snowfall.
- First Aid Kit
- Blankets
- Mittens, Hats, Jackets
- Cell Phone Charger (battery packs, pre-charged)
- Flashlight
- Extra Batteries for Flashlight
- Food that does not require cooking (for humans and pets)
- A can opener
- Spare Water (in case your pipes are frozen)
- Radio, battery operated (NOAA Weather Radio)
Other Home Winter Preparedness Considerations
- Do you know what to do to keep your pipes from freezing? Keep the temperature in your home above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to turn on your central heat or individual heaters. Be careful with kerosene heaters and other standalone heating elements. Then, open your cabinet doors to allow the warm air to warm the pipes. For outdoor pipes, keep them covered with insulation. If you still have a water damage as a result of a burst pipe, know what your next steps are to handle the water damage.
- Know where your water shut off valve is. If you get a leak that you don’t know how to control, it’s useful to shut off the water to your entire home until help arrives. Many water shut off valves are inside garages. Others are outdoors near the street.
- Know which circuit breakers control parts of your home. If you overload a circuit, your circuit breaker will flip off the switch that controls power to that portion of your home. Fix what was causing the overload and switch it back on.
- Know where the gas shut off valve is.
- Keep carbon monoxide poisoning alarms working and around your home. Test them every month.
- Get your fireplace checked once a season. This will prevent clogs that could cause a smoky fireplace. Do this to avoid needing fire and smoke odor removal services.
- Have phone numbers of emergency response companies. Other than the fire department and police departments, also have numbers for local companies whose help you may need. Examples include: your electric provider, water provider, plumber, electrician, and a fire and water emergency company.
Keep up with the Weather Forecast
Don’t be caught off guard by a winter storm or below freezing temperatures. Keep your eye on the weather and be prepared to take action.
FORECAST
A forecast tells you what meteorologists think is likely to happen. A forecast may tell you that storms are possible but not they’re not yet confirmed. The best action to take with a forecast is just to keep in mind and keep up with the news in case something stronger develops.
You can stay up to date with future weather forecasts by downloading many free weather apps on Android or iOS. Make sure you opt for free alerts on your phone or tablet.
Winter Storm WATCH
We remember what a storm watch is by thinking, “We are watching to see if the storm comes towards us.”
A winter storm watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather, but will they actually happen? We don’t know, but the likelihood is yes more than no. Storms are either developing now or will develop.
Winter Storm WARNING
A winter storm warning means severe weather is occurring or is imminent in your area. It’s actually happening! Do not delay in preparing your home, family, and pets.
Trusted Leader in Water Damage Restoration and Fire Damage Restoration in Dallas Texas
SERVPRO of North Irving is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company in Dallas Texas. With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections. You can trust us to restore your home or business.
Our crews are available dispatch for 24-hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 986-7677. Call us any time!
“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.
Additional Storm, Fire, and Water Articles:
The Science of Dallas Water Damage Remediation
Storm Watch Versus Warning
Winter Storm Damage Restoration Services