Everything You Need for Winter Storm Preparation

The winter season can pose many threats, whether you're dealing with harsh winds and ice or several feet of snow. Having a plan ready can help you handle potential weather-related emergencies with ease. From putting together emergency kits and supplies to ensuring you always have access to power, taking certain steps will allow you to confront harsh winter conditions confidently.

The Potential Impacts of Winter Storms

Before preparing for a winter storm, you must understand what you will be up against. There are various kinds of winter storms, and depending on your location, you may have to deal with specific conditions more than others. Once you're familiar with the kind of weather you might experience, you should know how that weather can impact you and your family.

When a storm hits, you may end up losing power. Considering how cold it can get during the winter, you'll need to find an alternative heat source in your home as you wait for the power to return — a reliable backup generator can be a significant help. In other cases, you might experience excessive snowfall that keeps you trapped inside your home, or you could deal with property damage from ice and wind.

Because winter weather can affect you and your home in different ways, you'll want to put together a comprehensive approach to winter storm preparedness.

Winter Storm Preparedness Basics

If possible, begin preparing for winter in the months leading up to it. This way, you can purchase necessary tools you don't have, make sure your equipment is operational, and take other important steps well before temperatures drop. Plus, investing in certain gear in the off-season may help you save money.

Here's a quick checklist of general winter equipment and tools every homeowner should have on hand during the cold-weather season:

• Rock salt or other products to manage ice on walkways and driveways
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
• Wood for your wood-burning stove or fireplace
• Fuel for your backup generator

Be sure that you have enough of each of these items to last you in the event of a particularly severe storm. For example, if you're unable to leave your home for a few days because you're snowed in, you want to have access to a stockpile of these essential items to keep safe and eventually dig yourself out. Additionally, a few extra items could help you assist a neighbor in an emergency.

Essential Supplies for Winter Storm Emergencies

Aside from basic winter gear, you'll need to stock up on various emergency supplies for yourself and your family. In some winter weather emergencies, getting to the grocery store or pharmacy may not be an option, so having the right items on hand is important. If anything, you'll have peace of mind that you're prepared for whatever winter brings your way.

Homeowners can keep their families safe by keeping these supplies handy:

• Blankets: Have enough blankets for everyone in your home to provide an extra source of warmth.
• Bottled water: A general rule is to stock at least 1 gallon of water per person for each day.
• Medications and Medical Kit: If you or anyone in your household relies on prescription medication, have an emergency supply on hand in case of an emergency.Also, have a general kit stocked with basic first-aid supplies.
• Non-perishable Food: Keep a stash of canned, jarred, and dried food items specifically for emergency use. Items like rice, beans, canned meats, soups, and fruits and vegetables work well in situations like this.
• Flashlights and batteries: During a power outage, you'll need flashlights and enough batteries to power them.
• Pet supplies: If you have pets, be sure to stock up on water and food specifically for them.
• Generator and Generator Accessories: If you're in an area prone to extended power outages, make sure you have a source of backup power like a portable generator or inverter. Also ensure you have the appropriate accessories for your generator like power cords, fuel, and an NFPA-rated generator cover like the GenTent to run your generator through the storm.
• Warm clothing: If you're heading outside at any point, make sure you have the right clothing and footwear to keep you warm and protect against slipping on ice.

As you organize these items, you should also consider creating an emergency response and evacuation plan in the event of an especially harsh storm. Knowing exactly what to do in certain situations can help you and your family remain safe and protected. This approach can also provide an extra sense of calm in a stressful scenario.

Ensuring Uninterrupted Power With a Generator

One of the most unsafe parts of not having power during winter storms is the loss of indoor heat. If you're without power and don't have access to a fireplace or other source of consistent warmth, you may experience different cold-related physical effects, especially during prolonged exposure. Therefore, ensuring you have power even when the local grid is down is essential.

A backup generator can kick on immediately after your home loses power in a winter storm, keeping your most important appliances running. These machines can stay on for days, so you can stay warm in your home even during the harshest winter weather. Additionally, you'll be able to keep your lights on and the refrigerator running.

Keep in mind that servicing your generator and protecting it with the right gear is vital — just like any other kind of equipment, generators can experience breakdowns and other repair issues. If you're unaware of these problems when a storm arrives, you may not be able to use the generator as planned. Take the time to maintain your generator so you can rely on it to work when you need it most.

GenTent Safety Canopies Is Your Trusted Ally for Winter Storms

Investing in a high-quality safety canopy for your generator can make all the difference. These canopies keep generators safe from rain, wind, and snow, offering valuable protection in various kinds of weather. With NFPA Rated flame retardant materials, GenTent products are engineered from heat safety elements to protect against overheating and moisture protection from military-grade vinyl; making them the ideal option to help you keep your generator running.

Some of the options we have available include: 

• Inverter Generator Covers: These canopies fit different inverter generators with perimeters from 45 to 120 inches and 1,000 to 9,000 watts.
• Portable Generator Covers: This option is best for portable generators with perimeters between 70 and 128 inches. 
• Larger Generator Covers: These canopies are for 10,000- to 28,000-watt generators with a perimeter of up to 128 inches.

No matter what kind of GenTent you need, you can benefit from an independently lab-tested and -rated generator cover that withstands winds up to 70 miles per hour and 18 inches of snowfall.

Protect Your Generator Today

The winter season can bring about blizzards, ice storms, and other weather events that can potentially impact you and your family's safety. Fortunately, with a plan in place to address winter storms, you can protect your household from harmful power outages and additional storm consequences.

At GenTent Safety Canopies, we work to prioritize your safety, helping you keep your generator protected and running with durable covers even during intense winter weather. Learn more about why customers prefer GenTent today. Shop our generator cover options to find the perfect fit for your specific model.