Prepare for the upcoming winter!

Winter weather varies by area, but you are quite likely to encounter severe winter weather at some point, including dangerously low temperatures and, at times, high winds, ice, sleet, and freezing rain, regardless of where you reside.

The National Weather Service calls to winter storms as "Deceptive Killers" since the majority of deaths are caused by the storm in an indirect manner. Individuals are killed instead in automobile accidents on icy roads and from hypothermia induced by prolonged cold exposure. It's vital to be ready for winter weather before it arrives, so keep these suggestions in mind:

Hard, Cold Winter Prep Tips

• A snow shovel, snow chains, and rock salt, or other environmentally friendly alternatives to melt ice and snow, should all be kept in your trunk in case your car becomes stuck in the snow.
• To deice a windshield, never use hot water; instead, use an ice-scraper. Because of the temperature difference between the hot water and your chilly car, your windshield may crack.
• Maintain a consistent speed and go below the speed limit when the roads are slick or the potential of ice is present.
• Instead of slamming on the brakes and overcorrecting when you hit a patch of ice, stay calm, carefully rotate the steering wheel in the direction you're sliding, and delicately contact the brake.
• Keep the curtains open on south-facing windows and use lighter curtains on other windows to let more sunlight into your home, keeping you warm and comfortable.
• Gutter cleaning should be done on a regular basis. Not only would this enhance drainage, but it will also help to prevent ice damming. Ice damming occurs when temperatures decrease and water condenses and freezes.
• If your water pipes are frozen, gradually warm them up, beginning at the faucet and working your way to the coldest part of the pipe. Using an electric heater to thaw frozen water pipes might result in electrocution if something goes wrong.
• Rather than going onto the roof and risking damaging the building or falling off, remove snow from the roof using a snow roof rake.
• During the winter, remember to wear sunglasses since bright sunlight reflecting off snow can cause macular degeneration and other age-related eye issues.
• To avoid Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning during a power outage, avoid using kerosene heaters or any other heating equipment when camping or cooking.
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face and other exposed areas before going outside.
• Always wear gloves whether working or playing outside to avoid frostbite, itchy, dry and damaged skin.
• Wear many layers of clothes, especially wool or synthetic textiles like polypropylene, as the temperature drops. Cotton can induce hypothermia, especially when wet.

If your roof has been damaged by large storms or snow loads, call Roof Trap & Board Up this winter!