We’re fortunate to live in a region where we don’t have brutally cold winters with constant snow for months. However, we have our fair share of winter weather, from temperatures that dip below freezing to ice and snow storms.
Now that winter is just days away, the chance for winter weather gets more likely as daytime highs get lower and overnight lows hover around freezing. Remember how awful last year’s ice storm was? It dumped 4 inches of ice in some places, powerlines were down, some roofs collapsed, and driving was nearly impossible.
Now that we’re entering the winter season, homeowners need to be prepared for the possibility of severe winter weather. Keep reading as we discuss how to prep your home for a severe winter storm so you can be safer for the next ice or snowstorm that hits Kansas City, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, and surrounding cities.
Stock Up on Food & Water
No one plans to be stuck inside their homes for days without the possibility to run to the store if needed. However, if a winter storm is severe and roads are undrivable, you may be forced to stay home for a couple of days until conditions improve. If that does occur, you need to be prepared in advance.
As soon as a winter storm warning is declared, make it a point to stock up on food and water. Choose foods that don’t require refrigeration just in case powerlines are down. Canned goods, bread, peanut butter, granola bars, and other nutritious foods that can be kept at room temperature are great to have on hand. Be sure to stock up on jugs or bottles of water as well – you don’t want to find yourself without water during a major storm.
Gather Supplies
Just like gathering food and water is essential, you’ll want to be stocked up on certain supplies in the event of a severe winter storm. Be sure you have the following readily available if you lose power: manual can opener, batteries, flashlights, candles with matches, and plenty of warm blankets. Depending on your home, you may want to invest in a generator. There are dangers and risks when using a generator, so use caution and follow these safety tips from The Red Cross.
If you have infants or young children in the home, stock up on supplies for them. Keeping an emergency supply of extra diapers, pull-ups, wipes, formula, canned milk, and other kid-friendly snacks will keep them nourished and safe if you are stuck inside your home without power due to the severe weather.
Keep an Emergency Kit on Hand
You probably already have a first-aid kit inside your home or car, but now is the time to ensure everything is fully stocked. If you don’t have one, now is the time to get one. You can purchase emergency kits or create one yourself. Make sure you have the following on hand:
- Hats, mittens, scarves, blankets, and coats
- Flashlight with batteries
- Battery-powered radio
- Medicines like pain relievers, fever reducers, bandages, etc.
- Extra daily medication anyone needs
Be sure to keep an emergency kit in your car that contains the items above. You’ll also need an ice scraper and emergency blankets on hand as well.
Winterize Your Home
Winterizing your home is crucial before a major winter storm; it can keep your family safer and warmer and protects your home from damage. To winterize your home, start by ensuring your windows and doors are weatherproof. Make sure they have enough caulk and weatherstrips to keep warm air in and cold air out. Next, keep shoveling tools and deicing agents in your garage. You’ll also want to make sure your HVAC system is in prime condition so if you do have power, your home remains warm and there are no issues.
Clean Your Gutters
If you have an open-top gutter system or half-round gutters, you’ll want to clean them before the first snowfall. A gutter system collects and directs meltwater and stormwater away from the home to avoid damage like leaks, but it can’t function if it’s clogged. Clogged gutters in the winter can often lead to ice dams, a hazard to your safety, and can be made worse by a severe winter storm. Deep clean your gutter system now to avoid a nightmare this winter. Removing leaves and other debris will allow water to flow freely through the system, keeping your home drier and safer.
If you don’t want to deal with cleaning your gutters or worrying about them each winter, consider installing the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System. Our gutter product is so durable and practical that it comes with three-lifetime warranties, including a lifetime no-clog, paint, and no pull-away warranty, so it’ll never become damaged. Our curved hood keeps all debris out and allows all precipitation to simply slide off rather than collect inside the gutter or on top of it. Your home will be better protected during all seasons, especially in the winter.
Contact our team today or call (913) 380-1616 to schedule your free estimate for installing the K-Guard System. We offer our gutter installation service to homeowners across Missouri and Kansas including, but not limited to, the following locations: Kansas City, Overland Park, Topeka, Olathe, Shawnee, Independence, Lenexa, and Lee’s Summit.
