If you’ve lived in Michigan for any length of time, you know that our snowstorms can be brutal.
Here’s what you need to know to prepare.
Prepping for a Michigan Snowstorm
- Stay home
- Be ready for power outages
- Be careful with generators
- Watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite
Stay Home
Don’t go out on the roads during a snowstorm. In fact, if you can help it, stay home until the storm has passed and crews have had time to improve road conditions.
Be Ready for Power Outages
Ice can weigh down power lines (and tree branches, which can fall and tear down power lines), so be ready for outages. Have plenty of blankets on-hand, and if you use a generator, be safe with it.
Be Careful With Generators
Never operate a generator in an enclosed space. Keep it dry, and don’t use it in wet conditions, either. Make sure you turn it off and let it cool down before you refuel it, too. (Check out these generator safety tips.)
Watch for Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite
Frostbite signs include:
- Numbness
- White or grayish-yellow skin
- Firm or waxy skin
If you see signs of frostbite, don’t massage the area or use a heating pad. Instead, go to a warmer location and use body heat to warm the area. You can also soak the area in warm – not hot – water. Seek medical attention immediately.
Hypothermia signs include:
- Shivering
- Exhaustion
- Confusion
- Fumbling hands
- Memory loss
- Slurred Speech
- Drowsiness
If you see the signs of hypothermia, get the person to a warmer location. Warm the center of his or her body first (the chest, neck, groin and head). Keep the person dry and wrapped in warm blankets, including his or her head and neck.
Do You Need a Disaster Remediation Expert in Washtenaw County?
If your home has already been damaged by a winter storm, we can help. Check out our services and call 517-262-3770 for your free disaster remediation quote today. We offer:
