A Homeowner’s Guide To Staying Warm During A Storm

If you live in a place where storms happen frequently, you might get used to them and know what to do in most cases. But even if you can anticipate them, you never know how hard bad weather can hit. There are times when a nasty hurricane can catch you off guard, which can be scary for some.

As a homeowner, you must prepare for storms and have a plan to keep yourself and your family safe and warm. Even if they happen rarely in your area, this weather phenomenon can leave you stuck for hours to days. Heat, power, and communications can get cut off without warning. Older adults, children, pets, and sick individuals are at great risk when this happens.

With the proper precautions and preparation, you can keep storms from causing serious harm to your household. This quick guide gives homeowners like you some of the basics you need to cover to do this. Following these tips and ensuring your systems stay functional with reliable HVAC contractors, you can stay warm and comfortable during long spells of bad weather.

Here’s what you should do:

 

• Insulate Your Home

Start by finding the areas of your home that need insulation. The most common ones are the attic, walls, and floors. Check the insulation levels in these areas by looking for the R-value, which measures insulation effectiveness. You can find the recommended R-values for different regions in the US on the Department of Energy’s website.

Improving your home insulation is a vital heating tips. Choose the type of insulation that is best suited for your home. There are several to choose from, including fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. You can do this by yourself. But you can get better results by working with a reliable contractor.

 

 

• Seal Drafts

Drafts allow cold air to enter your home, making it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. By sealing these gaps, you can avoid losing heat and stay cozy during an extended stay indoors.

To seal drafts, you need to use a sealing solution that fits with the material of the area you need to close. You can use weather stripping, caulk, or draft stoppers. Depending on which you choose, apply adhesives or attach them with nails or staples to install them. Preferably, you do this long before a storm arrives.

• Wear Layers

Wearing appropriate clothing layers matters to protect yourself from hypothermia.

Start with a thermal undershirt and pants. These base layers wick moisture away from your skin and keep you warm. Add a mid-layer, such as a sweater or fleece. This will provide additional warmth and insulation. Finally, finish with a top layer, such as a coat or jacket. It should be wind-resistant and waterproof to offer maximum protection.

Put on a beanie, gloves, and socks to protect your head, hands, and feet. Keep a spare set of layers if you become wet or sweaty. It’s crucial to stay dry to stay warm, so change into dry layers as needed. It will also ensure that you don’t get sick during this season.

Check family members, especially small kids and older adults, during this period and see if they’re comfortable. The last thing you want is somebody getting sick because there may be times when getting to the hospital is difficult.

 

 

• Stay Active

If you live in a place where storms hit in the winter, staying active should be a priority. It keeps your body warm and helps you sleep better while relieving anxiety. Since you can’t go outside during bad weather, you can do indoor exercises such as yoga, lifting weights, or calisthenics. You can also use exercise equipment, such as a treadmill or stationary bike.

Shoveling snow can be an excellent way to exercise and clear your driveway and sidewalks. Be sure to warm up before shoveling and take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion. Games such as basketball or ping pong can provide a fun and active way to pass the time.

• Stay Hydrated

You may not realize it, but dehydration can make you feel colder. So, drink plenty of water and warm beverages to stay hydrated during a winter storm. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.

You can also drink coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Just be sure to limit your caffeine and sugar intake, as these can have a diuretic effect and increase your risk of dehydration. Keep a water bottle with you always.

Stay Prepared For Bad Weather

Staying warm during a storm is essential for protecting your home and family from the cold. These tips should get you started on preparing your household for long bouts of bad weather. Take note of all your stocks, keep contact numbers ready, and above all, stay sharp.