Snowed In or Spun Out: Cold Weather Prep for Your Home and the Road

Snow can be a welcome change in the landscape, especially in the PNW. Although beautiful, we've seen snow wreak havoc on our roads and our homes.

Whether you feel excitement or dread when you see snow in the forecast, the best way to avoid the dread of frozen pipes and slippery streets is to be prepared.

Preparing Your Home

Preparing for the frigid temperatures and snow often doesn't occur to us until it's too late but having the right equipment and ensuring your home is ready can save you both time and money.

During the winter months, it's important that you stay tuned into the forecast. This will give you an idea for when you can expect snow and keep you updated on other weather-related information like Freeze Warnings.

• Consider investing in cold weather improvements like storm windows and insulation for your outside walls, attics and crawl spaces. Also, make sure you wrap pipes that are outside or near your outside walls.
• If your home has a fireplace, make sure it's functioning properly and you have dry wood available.
• Have a stock of rock salt and sand to spread around the outside of your home to help with traction.
• If you have to travel during a storm, make sure you fill your gas tank before snow starts falling.

Additionally, to avoid having to leave your home during a snowstorm, make sure you have a stock of emergency food on hand.

During a Snowstorm

Where there is a snowstorm, there are freezing temperatures. Stay warm by layering and making sure as much of your body is covered as possible.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind while staying cozy indoors:

• Reduce the temperature on your thermostat to conserve energy while keeping your home comfortable. If possible, only heat the rooms and areas of your home that you are using.
• In case your power goes out, consider an alternative heat source like a fireplace, a kerosene heater or a battery-operated space heater.
• Eat regularly as your body needs calories to maintain body heat.
• Do not overexert yourself while shoveling snow and be careful of debris.
• Keep a stocked first-aid kit in your home at all times.

Lastly, if you have any pets, be sure to bring them inside. If you have dogs, only allow them outside for a limited time.

Driving in the Snow

While you should avoid driving in the snow as much as possible, sometimes it's unavoidable. If you do have to venture out, there are ways you can prepare and stay safe during your snowy journey:

• Plan your route before you leave your home and check travel advisories. This will help you prepare for any closures and tell you if you need chains.
• Keep a disaster kit inside your vehicle that includes a three-day supply of water, some emergency foods, a blanket/sleeping bag, a flashlight, cellphone, shovel, sack of sand, booster cables and a flare.
• If you need to stop while out on the road, stay inside the vehicle and use your hazard lights to draw attention to your vehicle.
• If you become trapped on the road, clear your tail pipe and run your engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour.
• If you have to stop or become trapped during the night, keep your light on inside your vehicle so that emergency crews can see you.

See the Washington State Department of Transportation's website for additional information about where to look for travel advisories and requirements.