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Last year’s winter in Texas was a harsh one. Over 4.8 million people lost power, and the storm killed more than two hundred people. February was chaos for the state, to say the least. Expensive damages such as flooded homes and roofs caving in caused insurance claims to skyrocket. Since the disaster, there has been little done to protect Texas’s electric grid, and it does not yet have backup capacity on standby. With the seasonal risk of severe winter storms, many Texans want to feel prepared if another crisis strikes. Extreme weather events have become increasingly frequent and severe. Do you have an emergency plan in place?
Home Improvements
Preparing your home consists of insulation and education. You can have a professional check to make sure you have adequate insulation. Exposed pipes can be insulted with material you can find in just about any hardwood store. You may also want to have a crescent wrench and a water meter key to turn the water and gas off if need be. It’s smart to be well-educated and equipped to work your utilities. Have some battery-powered light sources on hand, clean your chimney, and check that your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working. You may even want to consider installing backups. On the top of your priority list should be securing adequate home insurance so you will not be hindered by financial devastation.
Emergency Kit
Get an emergency kit ready that includes batteries, flashlights, a weather radio, and enough water (a gallon a day per person), and nonperishable food that can get you through a few days. If you need to evacuate quickly, it would be helpful if you were prepared with a bag of necessities such as blankets, socks, a can opener, emergency contacts, and cash. Mental health is just as important to get you through, so it would be good to have items like a deck of cards or book to ease nerves. Consider the importance of a first aid kit consisting of gauze, dressings, scissors, adhesive, rolled bandages, and aspirin.
Charged Devices
Do you have a battery pack for your home? Cars can also act as charging stations, but you never want to leave them running in the garage as carbon monoxide poisoning presents a risk. If you have an old cellphone, even one not on a service plan may still be able to reach 9-1-1, so it is good to keep that handy.
Food
Items to have on hand:
- Rice
- Beans
- Jerky
- Canned tuna
- Fruit and veggie pouches
- Ramen noodles
- Boxed mac and cheese
- Shelf-stable tofu
A propane stove can be used outside to boil water and cook food during a storm. Be sure to check expiration dates and refresh stocks biannually.
Generator
You may not want to put all of your trust in the grid, so a full-house natural gas electrical generator is recommended. A solar installation is another option that can provide power if electrical grids crash. Those who require a medical device with constant operation, such as dialysis machines or oxygen concentrators, should certainly ensure their life-saving equipment keeps running, whether by a generator or solar with battery backup.
Pets
Our pets will also need food, water, and a warm place for shelter. Even if it’s just the garage, they at the very least need a daily supply of fresh water (to make sure it doesn’t freeze) as well as a warm space. You may also want to think about where they can go potty if going outside is not an option, whether on a pee pad or portable turf. Consider your pets when preparing your go-bag. Pack water, at least a week’s worth of the same food they are accustomed to, any medication, bowls, and comfort toys. Collapsible crates are also very helpful during an evacuation.
Vehicles
Before winter hits, check your fluid levels and tire inflation. Making sure your vehicle is in good working condition can make a huge difference. It may also be smart to keep an ice scraper, brush, and sand handy to combat snow.
About Transparity Insurance Services
Transparity Insurance Services was founded for the purpose of helping clients to ensure their property and assets with no hassle. We are committed to providing a simple, easy, efficient, and positive experience to all of our clients, and prioritize open and transparent communication with our clients. Through our excellent customer service and technology, we can help you to find the right insurance program at a competitive price. Contact us today at (855) 889-2037 to learn more about what we can do for you.