Winter Storm Preparedness: How to Stay Safe When the Snow Hits & Why SERVPRO is Your Trusted Partner

1/14/2025 (Permalink)

Storm damage can happen any time of year: winter is no exception. On the low end, restoration costs run in the thousands (on average), with some storms destroying entire homes overnight. Preparation for the winter storm season is key. You can trust the experts at SERVPRO to help you respond, restore, and recover as quickly as possible. Here’s what we recommend to help your home or business stand strong against winter storms.

Weatherproof Your Space

Weatherproofing for winter means taking a multifaceted approach to protecting your home or commercial building, including: 

• Sealing rooms, doors, and windows against moisture intrusion and cold air
• Insulating for a more comfortable, energy-efficient space: this will also prevent sudden or unexpected temperature spikes, which can lead to burst pipes.
• Scheduling HVAC maintenance for temperature regulation and livability 
• Checking exterior walls, roofs, and windows for any weak spots 
• Keeping gutters, downspouts, and hoses clear

Learn Winter Weather Safety

Learning and implementing best practices for winter weather safety goes a long way toward preventing unnecessary stress, not to mention reducing the risk of finding yourself in a dangerous or costly situation. This way you can develop effective routines to help you:

• Stay warm. Knowing how to keep yourself warm is critical to preventing hypothermia, frostbite, and other winter health issues. Once you’ve stocked up. Keep  extra warm clothes and blankets in your home, office, and car. You never know where or when you might need them. 
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. More heaters being on means more carbon monoxide (CO) in the air. Along with keeping vents clear, running your car only when the garage is open, and operating generators outdoors, be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home or office building and keep them in working order. 
• Keep emergency supplies stocked. This is good practice year-round, but especially during the colder winter months. Take an inventory of things like weather radios, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and other things you’re likely to need during a winter weather emergency. Place them throughout your home and business, and in any vehicles you use often. 
• Secure and learn to use backup power sources. Purchasing and learning how to use generators can make a tremendous difference if the power goes out during a winter storm, when every moment counts. If you haven’t purchased a generator, see what experts recommend for your space. If you have one, make sure it’s in working order before winter storm season picks up in your area. 
• Travel safely during winter. If you must travel during winter, make sure your vehicles are properly maintained and stocked with whatever you might need during a winter storm. If you don’t feel prepared to travel in snow, sleet, or ice, don’t take unnecessary risks. 

Watch for Issues

While some winter storm damage will be obvious, other problems may be lurking (and worsening) unseen, or disguised as smaller issues. After a winter storm, always be on the lookout for signs of structural damage like cracks, breaks or splits, or damaged paint. These seemingly-small issues can worsen when more storms come, and can be an entry point for cold air and moisture, which cause their own problems. With that in mind, it’s important to note any moldy or musty smells, or any areas that are unusually cool or damp. These could be signs that cold air and moisture are already getting in, either of which can cause structural issues, damage key systems in your home or office (i.e. plumbing or electrical), and ruin your aesthetics. 

Partner with an Expert

Knowing you have a trusted, expert partner when winter weather is a must to protect your home or business. SERVPRO are industry experts when it comes to winter weather storm restoration. We know how to assess, identify, and rectify problems caused by melted snow and ice, post-winter storm structural damage, and more. Whether you need 24/7 disaster restoration or proactive winter storm preparation, we’re here to help you fortify your home or business this winter.