Winter Storms: Preparation and Recovery to Keep Your Family and Home Safe

Snow, ice and sleet are common winter woes in the Washington, DC area. And as inconvenient as they are to your daily life, winter storms aren't just a travel nuisance – they pose dangers to your family and home. Here's what you need to know to protect your home and yard and keep your family safe as temperatures dip below freezing.

Winter Storm Preparations

Heavy snow and ice are pretty to look at from a distance, but in reality they can cause major damage to your home and yard. Take these preventative measures before the next winter storm hits to minimize property damage and keep your family out of harm's way.

Roof, gutters and downspouts. Hire a professional to check your roof to ensure it can support heavy snowfall – DC has been known to withstand more than 15 inches of snow at a time during recent winters. Inspect gutters and downspouts for leaks and make sure they are directing water away from your home's foundation. Clear your gutters, downspouts and drains of all leaves and debris so water can drain properly to prevent flooding.

Trees and shrubs. Take a good look at the trees and bushes surrounding your home. Trim and prune healthy trees and shrubs and remove any diseased or damaged limbs. Hire a professional to remove weak branches and dead trees that could fall on your home, yard or vehicle – or even on nearby power lines.

Flooding. Walk around your property to see if your yard slopes away from your home. If it doesn't, consider hiring a waterproofing professional who can regrade your yard to prevent basement flooding when the snow melts. Also, be sure your sump pump is working. If it isn't, contact a waterproofer to repair or replace it.

Snow removal equipment. Make sure you have proper snow removal equipment. If you have a snow blower, inspect it and change the oil well before the threat of snow appears in the 10-day forecast. Inspect any other equipment, like shovels and ice picks, and replace old or broken items. Stock up on salt and sand to cover your walkways and driveway. If you need to replace or purchase new snow removal equipment, it's best to do so before a storm is on its way as stores often sell out of shovels and salt when the region is preparing for winter weather.

Insulate. Inspect your home, especially around windows and doors, for proper insulation. Replace any worn weather stripping and caulk around drafty areas. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic on the inside to keep out cold air.

Inspect heating sources. Hire a professional to annually inspect and perform maintenance on your furnace and chimney to ensure proper function and prevent fire hazards. Clean soot and debris from your fireplace every year before you start using it again. Replace or clean the air filter in your furnace to improve efficiency.

Emergency supply kit. Create an emergency supply kit in case of power outages, which could last anywhere from hours to days. Store your kit in a safe, dry and easily accessible place. Include the following:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon a day per family member).
• Nonperishable food items and manual can opener.
• Flashlight, portable lanterns, batteries, solar powered USB charger and charged battery backups for mobile devices.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• Fire extinguisher.
• First aid supplies.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Prescription medications and any necessary medical supplies, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, walkers and canes and oxygen.
• Extra house and car keys.
• Cash and credit cards.
• Basic tools and work gloves.
• Extra clothes, blankets and bedding.
• Emergency contact phone numbers, including numbers for power, water and gas companies.
• Food, diapers, books and toys for babies and children.
• Food, toys and bedding for pets.
• Extra heating fuel and wood to burn.

Winter Storm Recovery

After the storm hits, exercise caution in and around your home. Do not travel until roads are cleared and walk carefully on icy walkways. Inspect your home and yard for damage and follow these tips to successfully recover from winter storms.

Downed power lines. After a storm, be on the lookout for downed electric wires. If you see a downed power line, consider it energized and dangerous. Stay clear and notify your local power company and the police immediately.

Insurance. After a storm, take pictures of any damage to your home and its contents – you'll need them for insurance claims. Be sure that you know what is covered by your insurance policy and under what terms. Many policies only cover the contents within your home, not what is in an ancillary structure, such as your garage and shed.

Restock supplies. Replace any emergency kit items that were used during the storm. Check expiration dates and function of remaining supplies and replace items as necessary.

Flooding. After the snow melts, take another walk around the property to ensure there's no new flooding or erosion that could cause damage during the next storm. Be on the lookout for a post this spring about how to prepare your home and yard for warmer weather.

Winter storms can be dangerous, but taking the proper precautionary and recovery steps will minimize damages and protect your family this winter storm season. To find out how NV Waterproofing can help you prepare your home and yard for winter storms – and help prevent wet basements and other water damage – visit nvwaterproofing.com or call 1-703-690-3889.