How to Prepare for NYC’s First Big Snowstorm of the Season

November 14, 2023 by

As winter approaches, the anticipation of New York City’s first significant snowstorm of the season brings both excitement and the need for important preparation. The city that never sleeps will soon transform into a winter wonderland, so now is the time to make plans for navigating the snowy streets and ensuring the warmth and safety of your home. Keep reading to explore the essential steps necessary to prepare for the first big snowstorm of the season!

Stay Informed

Staying informed is the key to navigating New York City’s winter weather successfully. Keep an eye on reliable weather sources for up-to-date forecasts. Whether it’s road closures, transit changes, or important updates, knowing what’s coming your way helps you plan ahead and adapt to changing conditions. Enroll in the Notify NYC alert system, which is New York City’s official source for information about emergency alerts and important city services. You can receive alerts through email, text, telephone, or social media.

Stock Up

Being prepared by stocking up on essentials before the first snowflake falls is the best defense for whatever winter throws your way. Having the essentials listed below already on hand can ease your mind during a snowstorm. 

  • Fill a winter emergency kit with a 72-hour supply of food, water, medications, and other essentials for each family member and all pets. Be sure your emergency kit also includes first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a whistle to signal for help, and copies of important family documents. 
  • Arm yourself with rock salt, shovels, and other snow removal gear to keep the pathways around your home clear.
  • Stay warm and cozy this winter by stocking up on warm clothing, snow boots, hand warmers, and blankets.
  • Keep a couple of portable battery banks regularly charged that can support your mobile phones and any other important electronic equipment during a winter storm power outage.

Prepare Your Home

  • Keep that winter chill on the outside by sealing cracks and insulating windows, doors, attics. A cozy home starts with blocking out the cold drafts.
  • Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your HVAC running as efficiently as possible. Servicing the system now can help provide warmth all winter long.
  • Before winter storms approach, remove any dangerous or dangling tree branches over your house. Branches that are loaded with snow and ice can easily break causing damage to your roof.
  • Pipes can crack and burst when cold temperatures cause the water inside to freeze. Protect outdoor water spigots by disconnecting all garden hoses. If possible, shut off the water supply for external spigots and drain any remaining water. Place an insulated dome around each spigot for further protection. On extremely cold nights, maintain a slow drip to alleviate pressure in the water system, reducing the likelihood of pipe rupture if freezing occurs. The best faucet to leave dripping is the one that is the furthest away from the main pipeline that brings water into your house, allowing more pipes to receive the benefit of the drip.

Make Transportation Plans

If you can, steer clear of driving in a winter snowstorm. Opt for public transportation for a safer journey. If driving is unavoidable, follow the safety tips below. 

  • Make sure to slow down. Keep in mind that speed limits are designed for ideal weather conditions, and it takes longer for vehicles to stop on snowy and icy roads compared to dry pavement. 
  • Stick to major streets or highways whenever you can. 
  • While four-wheel drive vehicles might handle snow-covered roads better, they don’t stop any quicker than other vehicles. 
  • Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s braking system, especially if you have antilock brakes, as they require a different technique in icy or snowy conditions. 
  • When navigating a snowstorm, choose daylight hours for travel and let someone know your plans.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. By staying informed about weather conditions, stocking up on winter and emergency supplies, preparing your home, and adopting safe driving practices, you can navigate the challenges of New York City’s first winter snowstorm with confidence! For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Winter Home Tips Tagged With: , ,

How to Stay Safe While Traveling This Holiday Season

November 16, 2022 by

During the holidays, many families can be found traveling near and far to be with loved ones. It is the best part of the season!  Whether you are traveling for a quick overnight trip or for a longer period of time, it’s important to take steps to make sure everyone stays safe. Take time to protect your family with this checklist:

  • Suppress the urge to broadcast your holiday travel plans on social media sites both before and during your trip. While traveling, it is best to inform only those who need to know. There will be plenty of time to share thoughts and photos of your trip after you are safely home. 
  • Enroll in the Notify NYC alert system, which is New York City’s official source for information about emergency alerts and important city services. You can receive alerts through email, text, telephone, or social media. This will keep you informed about what is going on in your neighborhood while you are traveling.
  • If you are staying in a hotel or in another travel venue, make sure the security features like door locks, alarms, and safes are working when you first arrive. Packing a few simple safety items like a small wedge doorstop, safety whistle, and flashlight can also be helpful.
  • To ensure the safekeeping of your electronics, wallet, medications, valuables and other travel essentials while traveling by plane, pack them in your carry-on luggage. 
  • Pack smart with only the necessities. As the saying goes, “after you pack your bag, take 50% of it out!” Carrying around bags that are too heavy or are worn incorrectly can cause injury to muscles and joints. Plus, overloading your vehicle with cargo can put you and others in danger. Make sure your view isn’t obstructed out the back or side windows. Secure any items that may cause harm in an accident.
  • Holiday traveling can quickly tire you out. Make frequent stops to rest or just stretch your legs. It’s important to keep your energy level high enough to stay alert. Staying nourished and hydrated will keep you at the top of your game. 
  • If you are traveling in your personal car, get a tune-up. The last thing you want during your holiday trip is to have problems with your car! While it is important to stay on top of regular car maintenance throughout the year, we strongly recommend a tune-up before a road trip. Be sure the oil, water, tire pressure, tire tread, and lights are checked at a minimum. Check that the registration and insurance of the vehicle are up to date and that you have the correct documents. Make sure you know how to file an insurance claim if necessary.
  • Practice safe driving. Buckle everyone up, don’t speed, and be aware of things that might distract you while driving. Did you know driving drowsy is a contributing factor in many accidents every year? Switch off with another adult driver when necessary and get a good night’s sleep prior to your trip.
  • Have fun! Part of the fun of any travel is being spontaneous so build some flexibility in your schedule. Of course you will want to plan your final destination and overnight stops, but you should also leave time for spontaneity. If a weird sign or billboard piques your interest, why not see where it leads? Stopping at random places along the way will add to the memories.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe in New York. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Safety Tips Tagged With: ,