Pre-Storm Winter Storm Preparedness in Northern Lake County, IL

2/26/2021 (Permalink)

Winter storms can cause damage and injury. It is important to be as educated and prepared as possible.

Winter storms and blizzards in Lake County can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds. It is important to be prepared to protect yourself and your property from these winter storm events.  Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion.  Here are a few tips from FEMA that can help:

Know your area’s risk

Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods of time. 

Prepare your home to keep out the cold

Check insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups

Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms

Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power

Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. 

Create an emergency supply kit for your car

Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.

Learn the signs of and basic treatments for frostbite and hypothermia

In the event that your home sustains damage from a winter storm, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Gurnee at 847-838-2954.  Our trained professionals are standing by 24/7/365 to assist with your emergencies.