Preparing your home for a winter storm

Every winter, Oregon sees temperatures drop and hazards rise. Severe winter storms may not happen every year, but they can be deadly. Ice and snow storms can cause power outages, property damage and evacuations.

Jon Liu, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said being prepared for winter storms before they hit is paramount.

“Once a powerful enough winter storm comes by, you’re not going to have a good opportunity to go get what you need,” Liu said. “You need to make sure that you have made preparations beforehand, because at that time, it may be too late.”

These preparations include making sure your home is equipped to handle a winter storm and its side effects.

Liu said staying warm is a priority when winter storms hit and power goes out. But it’s important to be wary of the ways you choose to stay warm, and how they may do more harm than good.

“Carbon monoxide is a possible issue. If you try to start a fire indoors in your fireplace without sufficient ventilation,” Liu said. “We tend to see more injuries and fatalities from carbon monoxide poisoning than just the cold.”

Making sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly, among other things, can make a big difference.

Preparing your home:

The Oregon Health Authority has guidelines for how to prepare your home for an upcoming winter storm:

• If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year.
• Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test them monthly, and replace batteries twice a year.
• If you are over 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently, and check the temperature of your home often during the winter months.
• Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.
• Weatherproof your home by adding weather-stripping, insulation, insulated doors and storm windows, or thermal-pane windows. Liu also recommends using towels to cover windows that don’t seal all the way or cracks in your home.
• If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure that they have access to unfrozen water.
• Service your snow removal equipment.
• Stock up on non-perishable food and water before the storm hits. “If you run out of food or your refrigerator power goes out, all your food spoils. That can be a potential issue,” Liu said.

Making an emergency kit:

Multnomah County has compiled a list of essential items for your home storm kit. The county stresses that items in the kit should last for at least two weeks:

• Water - 1 gallon per person per day
• Food - a supply of non-perishable food, snacks and a can opener
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Extra prescription medications
• Toiletries and sanitation items
• Toolset that includes tools to turn off your utilities
• Local maps
• Cash in small denominations, and quarters for phone calls
• Cell phone with chargers

Snowfall in Oregon usually lasts for around two days, Liu said, but the effects of a storm can remain long after. Even after a storm, it’s important to stay attentive.

“Just because it stopped snowing or freezing rain has stopped doesn’t mean that you’re fully in the clear,” Liu said.

Injuries are common when people leave their homes and surfaces are still icy. Liu said to be cautious when exiting your home, shoveling snow and walking under tall trees.

“If you live near any really high trees, there’s still the danger of you getting hit by (ice) that falls off, which could definitely cause injuries,” he said. “Absolutely make sure that you stay vigilant even after a storm passes.”