Winter Storms Are on Their Way Again—Here’s How to Prepare | SERVPRO® of Northwest Bergen

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

If winter weather should bring damage to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen for fast, restorative solutions.

The promise of winter is beloved by some, derided by others. Whether you love the cold and the cheer of holiday and end-of-year festivities or you look forward to the new year when you can keep your head down and relax again, you probably don’t look forward to the inconvenience and potential hazards of winter weather.

Winters in Bergen County can bring all sorts of surprises and hazards, and the best way to keep yourself and your family safe is to start preparing now. You don’t want to be caught off-guard when Jack Frost comes at you with both barrels.

<h3your-family">Protect Your Family

In the event of a massive winter storm, you’ll want to have an emergency action plan upon which you and your family can fall back. Make sure everyone in the house knows what to do, where to meet and how to stay in contact during a crisis.

Your vehicles need to be ready as well. Make sure all your car batteries are in good working order, top off any necessary fluids, and have your brake pads changed and tires rotated or replaced as needed.

Your home and car both need emergency kits stocked with water, supplies and medical needs in the event of a shut-in situation or outage. Make sure to include a warm change of clothes and some sturdy shoes in your car kit.

<h3your-home">Protect Your Home

Frozen pipes send a chill down the spine at the mere thought, don’t they? Keep your faucets dripping when it’s bitter cold, and insulate pipes and spigots as necessary to keep them from bursting.

Speaking of insulation, take a peek in the attic and make sure your insulation situation up there is adequate. Poor insulation and window sealing waste energy and let cold air in to replace the warm air being provided by your heating unit.

Your heating unit or HVAC needs some love before winter drops. Let a pro examine it and perform any needed maintenance or upgrades. The cold of winter can really put your unit to the test, so you’ll want it to be in tip-top condition from the start.

<h3your-pets">Protect Your Pets

The bitter winter is uncomfortable and even dangerous for household pets. Make a comfortable place inside and invite them in during the cold.

If you have horses, livestock or special outdoor animals, make sure they have a good place to shelter and constant access to thawed water.

<h3for-melts-and-flooding">Watch for Melts and Flooding

Thaws on a large scale can create dangerous flooding, as local waterways become overrun when weather warms up. This same effect can cause your roof to leak as well, so be cognizant of ice dams, and let local news sources warn you about potential thaw flooding.

If winter weather should bring damage or flooding to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen County for fast, restorative solutions.