Given the time of year, we’re not out of the woods when it comes to severe storms just yet. Recent hurricanes like Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have shown us how quickly conditions can escalate, leaving many households unprepared for emergencies. Whether it’s freezing temperatures, power outages, or dangerous road conditions, it's important to take steps now to ensure you’re ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way. Here are five easy expert readiness tips to keep you—and your home—safe!
1. Sidestep shortages with smart swaps
Once the weather forecast calls for snow, two key essentials—bottled water and rock salt—can disappear from store shelves faster than you might be able to get to the store. What to do if you can’t find them? “Get bags of cubed ice, which can be melted into water,” advises Michelle Hawkins, PhD, a winter weather expert at the National Weather Service. This ensures you have plenty of safe drinking water on hand in case of an emergency.
As for the salt, Hawkins says, “You can use non-clumping kitty litter on driveways and sidewalks to provide traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls.”
2. Dodge burst pipes with a gentle trickle
Home flooding caused by burst frozen pipes is a top cause of property damage during winter storms. The first line of defense is to “wrap exposed pipes in insulation,” says FEMA expert Linda Mastandrea. “It’s available at hardware stores for about 50 cents per foot, making it an affordable way to protect your home.”
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You should also monitor the forecast: When temperatures dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, turn faucets on to a slow dribble to keep water flowing and prevent pipes from freezing.
3. Breeze through blackouts with old-school tools
Greater storm intensity means power outages from bad weather may last longer than they did in the past. Your backup plan? Go “low-tech” by stocking up on battery- or crank-powered radios, manual can openers, and a landline phone plugged into a wall jack.
Another old-fashioned standby? Cash. “During a blackout, debit and credit card machines likely won’t work,” cautions Ashley Henyan of the American Red Cross. Head to the ATM before a storm hits to ensure you have enough cash on hand.
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4. Light up the room with glow sticks
Glow sticks are a great addition to your blackout lighting kit. They don’t require batteries or light bulbs, and they’re safer than candles. Place a few by your bedside table to help you navigate hallways or in the bathroom as a nightlight during a power outage.
You can also place a headlamp on a full plastic jug of water to create a makeshift lantern — perfect for brightening up a room without the risk of fire.
5. Stay safe by filling up
To avoid running out of gas in a snowstorm, always top off your tank—even if you’re sure you have enough to make it home. Heavy snow can slow traffic by up to 40 percent and extend travel time by 64 percent, according to Hawkins. Also, remember to pack a portable shovel, an emergency LED beacon, bottled water, snacks, and any necessary medications. Having these items on hand will keep you safe and comfortable until conditions improve.
Taking these precautions can help you stay safe, protect your home, and be ready for any unexpected challenges winter storms may bring. Be prepared, stay calm, and you’ll be equipped to weather any storm—even the unexpected ones like Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
A version of this story originally appeared in our print magazine
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