What To Do Before And After A Winter Emergency
Winter is here and you’ve caught wind of an incoming blizzard emergency. If you prepare for the worst, your outcome may very well be the best, so you need to be clear about what to do before and after the event.
We’ll cover what to do before a blizzard, including, how to protect your home, prepare an emergency winter car kit and home kit, and get your car ready in case of an evacuation.
We’ll also dive into what you’ll need after the blizzard, including, checking your home for damage, how and when to leave the area, the steps to making an insurance claim, and more…
Let’s get started and get you prepared!
What To Do Before A Winter Emergency
1. Weatherproof Your Home
This includes insulating water lines on exterior walls, caulking doors and windows, insulating walls and attics, repairing roof leaks, and cutting away tree branches that could fall on your home. It’s also a good idea to install thermal panes or storm windows or cover them with plastic from the inside.
2. Inspect Your Chimney
If you have a chimney or flue, make sure to get it inspected at least once a year, especially before the winter season. You can find an inspector online or ask your local fire department. Fireplaces and wood stoves can be lifesaving during a winter blizzard emergency.
3. Install A Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detector
Make sure the carbon monoxide detector is battery-operated and install it near your fireplace, kerosene heater, or wood stove. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year. Always keep extra batteries and a fire extinguisher in your home.
4. Prepare An Emergency Kit
It’s better to have two kits – one for your house and car. Kits can include a cell phone, portable charger, batteries, blankets, coats, mittens, hats, windshield scraper, shovel, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, flashlights, water, snack food, first aid kit, reflectors or hazards, and a pocketknife.
You can go the extra mile for your emergency winter car kit with tow chains, rope, tire chains, canned compressed air with sealant for tire repair, cat litter or sand for tire traction, booster or jumper cables, emergency flags or flares, road maps, waterproof matches, and a can to melt snow for water.
5. Prepare Your Vehicle
Check your car’s antifreeze and radiator system, replace wiper fluid with a wintertime mix, ensure tires have enough tread and air pressure, keep your gas tank almost full, and check the defroster, heater, brakes, ignition, brake fluid, exhaust, oil, battery, and emergency flashers.
What To Do After A Winter Emergency
1. Stay Off The Roads
Even winter blizzard emergency has passed, plows may not have had a chance to clear the roads and coat them with sand or salt. It’s best to check online or the local news for updates on when you can drive, but if you must, drive extremely slowly and stick to major routes.
2. Check Your Roof
Your roof may have a buildup of snow or ice which can cause serious damage to your roof and your home. It’s best to hire a professional to remove it safely.
3. Clear Your Walkways
Shovel your walkways and sidewalks or use a snow blower. After, put down a de-icing product to melt ice and prevent any slips. Slipping on ice may seem harmless, but if someone lands wrong, they could seriously hurt themselves.
4. Contact Your Insurance
If you notice any damage to your car or home, immediately contact your insurance broker. If the damage is significant, you can reach your insurance after regular business hours at their 24-hour claims service line.
5. Dress Appropriately
Even if the storm or winter emergency has passed, it will still be extremely cold, icy, and maybe even wet. Wear warm, waterproof boots with good tread and enough layers to keep warm.
6. Pay for Any Urgent Repairs
If you experience storm damage and aren’t covered by insurance or want to cover the cost upfront and be reimbursed later, you may benefit from an online title loan.
Qualifying For An Online Title Loan
Online title loans use your paid-off car as collateral – while you keep your vehicle – and pay anywhere up to $15,000 depending on your needs and the state of your vehicle. If you have the lien-free title for your car, are over 18 with a valid I.D., and have your car in your possession, you could qualify for an online title loan through Missouri Title Loans, Inc. The application process is extremely fast compared to personal loan applications from traditional lenders.
To get started, you fill out the online loan inquiry form on our homepage. After getting a call from our representative, you’ll arrange a time for them to inspect your paperwork and vehicle. This could be at your home or a local office and the meeting only takes about half an hour.
Once approved, you’ll have your money the same or the very next business day!
Face Your Winter Emergencies With Confidence
A blizzard emergency is no match for a well-prepared individual – especially if you hunker down and follow the guidelines above. By preparing your emergency winter car kit and emergency home kit, you’re already a few steps ahead of most Americans.
For those left with home or car damage after a storm, you may need to consider an online title loan to get the cash for your repairs ASAP. At Missouri Title Loans, Inc., we’re waiting to assist you in case of such an emergency as best we can. Get in touch with us today!
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.