HoehmTown Happenings: Essential Winter Storm Preparation Tips

Earlier this week, a powerful Nor’easter storm dropped over a foot of snow across the town. This was the second major snow event we’ve experienced in less than a month, and I’m very proud of how our staff handled the challenges that accompany these high impact storms. The town’s ability to deal with these storms is largely based on the adage that preparation is the key to success. There’s a great deal of planning involved in coordinating a municipal operating plan to deal with a storm, and the need to properly prepare for the worst is also applicable to residents.

During almost every major storm, my office receives distress calls ranging from not being able to get out of a driveway to being in need of temporary power for lifesaving medical equipment. We sometimes take these snow events less seriously than we should because we are conditioned to being inconvenienced for a day or two at the most. Roads are cleared efficiently, power is restored quickly if it goes down at all, and life goes back to normal before we know it. This makes it very easy to forget that Mother Nature doesn’t always play nice and our infrastructure is not bulletproof. With this in mind, here are some tips that every homeowner and resident should consider in preparation of a winter storm.

• Stay ahead of the weather by keeping a close eye on forecasts. Knowing when snow is expected allows you to plan accordingly, whether it’s preparing your home, adjusting travel plans, or simply dressing appropriately.
• Ensure your home is ready to face the cold. Insulate windows and doors, check your heating system, and have emergency supplies like blankets, flashlights, and a radio. It’s better to be over-prepared than caught off guard.
• Have an adequate supply of non-perishable food and bottled water on hand to last at least a few days.
• Invest in quality snow removal tools like a sturdy snow shovel, snow blower, or ice melt. Clearing driveways and walkways promptly not only prevents accidents but also makes navigating your property much easier.
• If you must drive in snowy conditions, equip your vehicle with winter tires and carry essentials like an ice scraper, blanket, and emergency kit. Fill your tank with gas prior to the day of the storm. Drive cautiously, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and familiarize yourself with winter driving techniques. Clear all the snow off your vehicle before going out. Driving with snow piled on top of your car is incredibly dangerous to other drivers on the road.
• Snowstorms combined with high winds often lead to power outages. Have a backup power source if possible, such as a generator, and keep essentials like batteries and a portable phone charger on hand. Think about alternate places to stay in an emergency, such as with relatives or a hotel. If you have medical equipment that requires electricity, have a plan on how to handle an extended power outage.
• If you have elderly neighbors or relatives, make sure they have everything they need in advance of the storm and check on them during and after the event. 

Being prepared for what you can control brings peace of mind in dealing with the things which you can’t control.  It’s far easier to sit back and enjoy the beauty of falling snow when you know you’re ready to handle the most common challenges the weather might bring. By following these essential snow tips and preparation measures, you can make the most of the winter season while staying safe and comfortable.