SERVPRO of Carrollton recognizes the importance of being prepared to deal with storm damage caused by a winter storm. When the temperatures dipped below zero and the power grid collapsed in early 2021, the staff and technicians at SERVPRO of Carrollton endured the difficulties and overcame challenges as they provided storm damage cleanup and restoration for their Carrollton and North Dallas neighbors.
With a temperature of -2°F, February 16, 2021, was the second coldest day on record for the North Dallas area. Waco endured eight straight days of subfreezing weather. Large swaths of southeast Oklahoma and eastern Texas braved temperatures below -10°F to -20°F during the February 2021 freeze event. Five million Texans were without power, some for several days. Fifteen million residents were without water. Food banks were exhausted almost immediately. The Texas freeze of February 2021 may go down as the “costliest disaster in Texas history,” exceeding the $125 billion from Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
The catastrophic freeze event of 2021 highlights the importance of knowing how to stay safe during a winter storm that brings dangerously low temperatures, power outages, food shortages, and no running water.
Start by making the home a safe haven from the cold weather. The house will provide protection from the snow, sleet, rain, and frigid wind. Each of the tips listed below may seem small and inconsequential, yet when taken together as a part of a comprehensive survival strategy, these tips can help Carrollton, TX, homeowners stay safe.
1. Food and water
The average American family has less than a week’s supply of food. FEMA recommends having at least a 72-hour (3 days) emergency supply of food and water per person. Each person needs 2000 calories and 1 gallon of water per day. Staying warm requires energy; energy requires calories. Foods like nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit are packed with energy, easy to store, and do not require any preparation or refrigeration. Leftovers store easily and will keep for days.
2. Flashlights and extra batteries
Pay a little extra for alkaline batteries that have a shelf life of five to ten years. Replace traditional flashlights with LED flashlights that last many times longer, burn brighter, and have a dim setting that extends the life of the batteries. LED headlamps allow for hands-free usage, which is important in cold weather and when walking on slippery surfaces. An LED with lower lumens will provide many hours of adequate lighting.
Avoid using candles for heating and lighting. Though they provide some heat, candles are a fire hazard, and they give off carbon monoxide.
3. Radios
Battery-powered NOAA weather radios and portable radios allow people to receive emergency information from the government and the local media. Communication is a lifeline for the stranded, distressed, and lonely. A human voice communicating helpful information and encouragement can provide the emotional strength to hang on until help arrives or the power outage ends.
4. Firewood
If the residence has a fireplace or woodstove, make sure that the area is in good working condition and the wood supply is adequate and kept dry.
5. Health and hygiene products
Stock up on medications if possible. If young children are in the home, gather a supply of diapers, wipes, and other baby-related items. Review the expiration dates on items in the first aid kit, and replace any expired items.
6. Vehicle supplies
Whenever forecasters call for a winter storm, make sure vehicles are equipped for use. Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit in the car along with flashlights and batteries. If travel is necessary, place extra blankets or a warm sleeping bag in the trunk. A backpack with water and food could save lives if the car becomes stranded.
Winter storm damage encompasses structural damage from fallen tree limbs, water damage from frozen pipes, and fire damage from an overturned candle. Trust the restoration experts at SERVPRO of Carrollton for storm damage restoration at any time of the year. The damage restoration company offers twenty-four-hour emergency service, and highly-dedicated restoration technicians serve customers even when weather conditions are challenging.
For more information about Carrollton, TX, storm damage restoration, contact the SERVPRO of Carrollton office by phone at (972) 446-0383 or by email at office@servpro10952.com.
