Any day now the notifications will begin…
- The WINTER STORM WARNING from the Weather Channel;
- The early morning phone call from the school;
- The absence of bread and milk from the shelves of the Shop-Rite.
This is the time of year when it pays to be prepared for Winter. Snow storms, freezing rain and sleet can wreak havoc on everything from freezing the pipes in your home, knocking out power lines, and making driving conditions treacherous! As an Insurance Specialist, it is my job to make sure folks are informed and educated on how to be prepared.
My Digital Insurance Office has a special page dedicated to Winter Weather, (kindly click HERE). There’s a live weather feed and tips on how to stay safe and what you need to do to prepare. There’s so many things to think about to avoid damage to your home, vehicle, and surrounding area.
A couple things to consider when a winter storm is approaching:
- Make sure you have a good family communication plan. Make sure you have someone in your cell phone as your “ICE” contact- (In Case Of Emergency). Also, place a card in your children’s wallets with yours & other family member’s contact information, in case their cell phone doesn’t have battery or is not accessible. Check with your children’s schools/daycare and be aware of their emergency plan in case of winter weather. And remember, if the networks are overwhelmed with people trying to make phone calls, text messages almost always go through during network overload.
- A basic emergency supply kit for your home in the event you lose power is essential. You should always have one handy- in a pantry, cupboard or storage room or somewhere it is easily accessible in the event of a power outage. Some of the things you should include in your supply kit are: first aid kit, approximately a three day supply of food and water for each person (and your pets if applicable), battery operated radio and flashlights along with backup batteries, a solar cell phone charger (if possible), warm blankets and jackets, sanitation items such as baby wipes, trash bags with plastic ties, make sure your gas tank in your vehicle is full to avoid the gas line in your car from freezing, and anything else you deem necessary.
Remember, I am here to help. If there’s anything myself or my trusted team of professionals can do for you, please let us know! We are always available 24 x 7 in case of emergency. For over 150 years we have been here for our clients through blizzards, blackouts, fire and flood. Stay safe and drive carefully!