Blizzard Driving Tips

With a severe winter storm headed our way in the next few days, now is a good opportunity to revisit some tips for driving in severe winter weather. These tips are re-posted from FEMA.gov's emergency website (www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/wi_during.shtm#2), and are excellent resources to reference. Remember, unless its an emergency, the best advice is to stay off the roads until they are clear.

• Travel in the day, don't travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule
• Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts

If a blizzard traps you in the car:

• Pull off the highway. Turn off the hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
• Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk in deep snow.
• Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. While the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
• Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs-the use of lights, heat and radio-with supply.
• Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.
• If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.
• Leave the car and proceed on foot-if necessary-once the blizzard passes.

Frozen Pipes

A preventable hazard, frozen pipes can be extremely costly and difficult to clean up from. While pipes tend to be insulated to temperatures as low as 10 degrees, knowing how to properly prevent a frozen pipe, and how to keep a pipe from bursting once frozen can save thousands of dollars, and save you from the headache of the aftermath.

Knowing your plumbing system is a good first step. Tagging water valve shut offs can help you identify where to cut the water supply in the event of a burst pipe. Additionally, turning off the supply at the valve nearest to your outside hose spigot can cut off the most exposed area of piping to the elements. Finally, wrapping your water pipes with thermal wraps can not only keep the pipes warm when the temperature plunges, but it can also save on heating costs by minimizing heat loss as water travels from your water heater throughout your home.

If you suspect a frozen pipe, immediately cut off the water supply to that area of plumbing. Attempt to slowly thaw the frozen section-the best way to thaw it is with a hair dryer or electric heat wrap. Do not take a torch to the pipe. If you discover a slow drip or leak coming from a pipe, that's a sign that you're too late-the pipe has already burst as water begins to melt away.

As with most potential hazards, prevention is the best form of mitigation. If you plan on being away from your home, do not turn your heat off. Keep your thermostat set to 60 degrees, and make sure all storm windows are sealed shut to prevent cold leaks.

Finally, if you do discover water damage due to a burst pipe, don't delay-call your insurance agent right away. Promptly reporting the claim and allowing mitigation professionals to begin the cleanup and dryout process can help minimize the damage to your home and property.

Ice Dams

One of the unfortunate side effects of winter weather is that it creates conditions that can cause damage to your home. One of these conditions is a buildup of snow which, when exposed to the warm air escaping from an attic vent can create cascades of ice coming down from the gutters and edges of your roof. This ice builds up in your gutters, and when the snow melts, the water cannot drain properly. This creates what's called an ice dam.

Ice dams can cause significant damage to walls, ceilings and insulation inside the home, as water seeps inside the structure and wreaks havoc. While masses of icicles dangling from the edge of a roof is the hallmark sign of an issue with attic ventilation, it takes very little moisture to form an ice dam.

Simple home maintenance can help prevent ice dams and subsequent damage to the interior structure. Making sure your attic has adequate insulation and sealing all potential heat leaks is the simplest and most effective way to prevent an ice dam before it starts. Once the dam actually forms, ice melt or snow melt socks, when placed on the roof line near the gutter, can help open up a channel to drain the excess melt safely away from the structure. Finally, making sure gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves, dirt and debris can assist in safely draining water away from your home.