Be Prepared | Winter Storms

Preparing for winter storms is crucial to survival and safety. Become familiar with winter storm warning signals so you can take appropriate action and learn the dangers of winter ailments so you can avoid injury.

Winter Weather Warnings

Do you know the difference in the warnings you may hear from your local weather station? You should! It will help you determine a course of action, whether to protect your home or business. Familiarize yourself with the following weather alerts so you know what actions you may need to take:

 Winter storm watch: Be alert, a storm is likely

 Winter weather advisory: Experts expect conditions to cause significant hazards, especially to motorists

 Frost/freeze warning: Experts expect below freezing temperatures and damage to plants, crops or fruit trees

 Winter storm warning: Take action, a storm is entering—or is already in—the area

 Blizzard warning: The combination of snow and strong winds will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill—seek refuge immediately

When you hear or expect any of the warnings above, it’s important to prepare your home or your business. Here are a few helpful resources:

– To protect your home, consider winterizing your pipes and assessing your roof and home for possible water damage or risks associated. Click here to read our blog post with details and steps you can take to protect your home from winter weather , including ice storms.

– Click here to download a Check List for Assessing Your Winter Weather Risks at home.

– Protect your business by being proactive. Know your employer responsibilities and prep your business vehicles for the conditions. Click here to read more about preparing your vehicle for winter weather.

– Avoid slip-ups! Winter weather often brings wet shoes into your store or business location. Prepare your business to prevent trips, slips, and fall incidents. Click here to read Slip, Trip, and Fall Solutions.

Preventing Cold Weather Injuries

To prevent serious injury from extreme cold, which could result in death or permanent damage, do the following:

Select proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions and layer clothing when possible, making sure to include layers that repel moisture away from the skin.

Take frequent breaks in warm, dry shelters when possible.

Avoid over-exerting yourself, as your body needs this energy to keep its muscles warm. Work in pairs when it’s cold to share the load and watch for warning signs of frostbite or hypothermia.

When you know you will be exposed to extreme cold, prepare yourself warm, sweet beverages to drink and warm, high-calorie foods to consume. Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol.

Other Winter Storm Hazards

Be on the lookout for the following winter storm hazards:

Adverse driving conditions, such as low visibility and slippery roadways

Icy walkways and sidewalks, which could cause slips and falls

Falling objects like icicles, tree limbs and utility poles

Electrocution due to downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines

Exhaustion, dehydration and back injuries from conducting manual labor in the snow

Contact Byars|Wright Insurance today to learn more.

Byars|Wright is a locally owned and operated independent insurance agency with five offices in the greater Birmingham area – including Jasper, Gardendale, Homewood, Alabaster, and Cullman – that has developed into a major provider of commercial and personal insurance. Since 1946, the agency has expanded its scope of business and delivers a wide-range of insurance products with quality coverage at competitive prices. Byars|Wright has been designated a Best Practices Agency by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America and was also named “Best Companies to Work For in Alabama” by Business Alabama in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. In 2020, Byars|Wright won their category as the number one Best Company To Work For. 

We Build People, Protect Relationships. Byars|Wright is Where Relationships Matter.