Author: Degree Heating & Cooling

Preparing for Winter Storms in Connecticut: Expert Tips for Staying Safe

Winter storms are a seasonal challenge in Connecticut, with freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and powerful winds frequently disrupting our schedules. It’s not uncommon to experience power outages, hazardous roads, and plummeting temperatures during a storm. You can more easily get through these winter storms by taking a few proactive steps now to safeguard your home and your family from the inevitable appearance of a patented New England Nor’easter.

1. Stay Informed and Understand the Risks

Stay updated on local weather forecasts and warnings. Sign up for community alerts, tune into the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and NOAA Weather Radio for real-time emergency notifications. These resources will help you stay ahead of potential storm-related disruptions. You can lose power and Internet access during a storm, so having a dedicated battery-operated weather radio is going to keep you informed of any important information about the weather and any local government directives regarding shelters and help if displaced. 

2. Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

A well-prepared home is going to be key to staying safe and comfortable during a winter storm. The best time to start preparing is when the weather is still moderate by weatherproofing your home. Sealing air leaks with caulking and weather stripping, adding insulation, and taking steps to prevent your pipes from freezing are just some of the ways you can reduce the impact of cold weather storms on you and your home. Another important thing to do is test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working correctly.  If power outages require using alternative heat sources, these devices are essential for detecting unsafe conditions. This is also the best time to consider installing a backup generator that will automatically come on during a power outage. Your family will thank you for the power when the power goes out. 

3. Stock Up on Essential Supplies

Preparing for power outages and supply shortages is vital. Here’s a winter storm checklist for supplies you’ll want to have on hand to stay safe and comfortable if you lose power and/or heat for a couple of days:

Warmth & Clothing

• Blankets and sleeping bags (preferably thermal or wool)
• Layered, warm clothing (thermal underwear, thick socks, gloves, hats)
• Hand warmers and foot warmers
• Extra winter coats

Food & Water

• Non-perishable food (canned goods, nuts, dried fruits, protein bars)
• Manual can opener
• Bottled water (at least 1 gallon per person per day)
• Thermos for hot drinks (fill with hot water before the storm)

Lighting

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered lanterns
• Candles and matches or lighters
• Headlamp (handy for hands-free lighting)

Heating Options

• Space heater made for indoor use only. 
• Wood Stove or Fireplace
• Backup power from a generator.

Communication

• Battery-powered radio (for weather updates)
• Portable phone charger or power bank (fully charged before storm)

Hygiene & Health

• First-aid kit
• Prescription medications (at least a 3-day supply)
• Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer)
• Water for pets and pet food, if applicable

Tools & Supplies

• Multi-tool or basic toolkit
• Snow Shovel (if you need to clear pathways or snow)
• Sand, salt, or kitty litter (for traction on ice)
• Duct tape and plastic sheeting (to seal windows or doors for additional insulation)

Miscellaneous

• Books, games, and non-electronic activities for entertainment
• Important documents (keep them in a waterproof bag)

In addition to home supplies, prepare a car emergency kit for times when you might get caught in a storm while traveling. This could include jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, warm clothing, sand, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. If you know a storm is approaching, it’s a good idea to keep your gas tank full.

5. Safety Measures During the Storm

When a storm warning is issued, stay indoors and avoid travel unless necessary. Limit time outdoors to avoid exposure, and layer up if you need to go outside. Remember to check on your neighbors, particularly the elderly and isolated people. 

Avoid overexertion while shoveling snow or walking in deep snow, which can increase the risk of heart attacks. Pace yourself and take breaks as needed.Additional Resources for Winter Storm Preparedness

For more information on preparing for winter weather, check Ready.gov or download the FEMA app for helpful checklists and safety guidance. By planning ahead and staying informed, Connecticut homeowners can improve their resilience against the challenges of winter storms and protect both their homes and families. 

Staying prepared means staying safe, even when Connecticut’s winter storms are at their most severe.

After a major storm, generator sales go up all around the country. Does that mean people are just buying them for peace of mind? The benefits of owning a backup generator are actually very tangible. Power outages can disrupt your life, but a generator helps you maintain a sense of normalcy during storms that tend to damage local power. A backup home generator will keep your appliances running and you can enjoy the comforts of home while the power is down. Here in the middle of Connecticut, we can expect a couple of storms every year that will result in an outage of some kind. 

 

Power Through  Storms With a Standby Generator

Backup generators are like having insurance: there’s a payout you can expect in the event of a power outage in your part of Connecticut.

• You Can Communicate with Family & Friends

You never know how much battery life your smartphone will have when an outage strikes. A generator can power your landline, plus you can keep your phone charged during the duration of most power outages. You can let your loved ones know that you’re safe at home. 

• No Need for a Hotel

During extended outages, especially in very hot or cold weather, you might be compelled to move into a hotel temporarily. Without AC or Heat, you’ll still want to be comfortable. Each night at a hotel could easily cost you a couple hundred dollars (or more!). Additionally, during storms the local hotel rooms get booked quickly, plus you won’t have the comfort of being in your own home. Your backup generator can power the electrical components of your HVAC system to keep your home livable until the power comes back on. 

• Keep Your Family & Property Safe

Your home security system might have a battery backup, but it probably can only run for a few hours. The same goes for the sump pump in your basement. Keep your systems running during a storm with a backup generator. Having a steady flow of power protects you against break-ins, flood damage to your home, and other potential risks that can occur during unexpected blackouts.

• Eat Fresh, Prevent Spoiled Food

Refrigerators and freezers can stay cold for a few hours if you don’t open the door. After that, you’ll have to start the process of throwing away all your perishables (or risk getting a food-borne illness). Grocery stores often get barren before a large storm and cannot receive new shipments for days, so you’ll want to have access to fresh food. A generator can give you steady refrigeration during late summer storms. Some medications require refrigeration to stay effective. 

• Power Your Medical Devices

There are a number of devices for medical conditions that require a steady flow of power. Ventilators, dialysis machines, CPAP Machines, oxygen concentrators, and nebulizers are amongst them. Most have a backup battery that will run for a brief time until other accommodations can be made. Make sure to choose a standby generator that can power any life-saving equipment that you have in your home.

• Working from Home

If you run a home business or do most or all of your work from home, you can continue to work uninterrupted with the power of a backup generator. Internet services tend to get back online sooner than grid power during storms. And while you might not mind taking a weather-imposed vacation for a few days, it can be handy (and safer) to work from home if a severe storm is flooding streets or an ice storm is making it treacherous to go out. 

• Protection From Power Surges

When power returns, your electrical panel can receive a dangerous surge. A whole-house surge protector can always help with that, but your generator will also safely transition your electrical system back to grid power.

Don’t Forget Commercial Generators

 

Small businesses can use a commercial standby generator to get all of the benefits listed above. Plus, a backup generator can help avoid data loss and will allow you to continue to process credit card transactions. If you need to keep the lights on at your business, a commercial generator is the way to go. 

DEGREE Heating and Cooling has the skill and experience to help you choose the right size and type of home backup generator for your needs and get it installed safely. 

Get a free estimate for standby generator installation in Glastonbury CT. and surrounding areas.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities in Connecticut While Staying Safe

 

Everyone looks forward to summer in New England – after all, who doesn’t love the warm temperatures and sunny days that summer brings? Hanging out by the pool, while hosting a BBQ cookout brings family and friends together for getting the most out of the hot days and warm nights we get here in Connecticut.

Stay Safe and Play Safe This Summer

 

As an electrical repair and services company, we want to help you to be safer during summer days, so we came up with this list of summer electrical safety tips specific to the summer season and its many activities:

• Keep electronics away from the water – If you have an outdoor swimming pool, think twice about putting your portable speakers near the poolside. All electronics should be kept at least ten feet away from any swimming pool, hot tub, or other water source. It doesn’t matter how careful you are, accidents can and do happen.
• Use outdoor-rated extension cords – Need to run a little extra electricity to your patio or porch? Make sure to use an extension cord that is rated for outdoor use. There’s a good chance your cord will be exposed to moisture while outside – and an outdoor-rated extension cord will be able to handle small exposure to water from rain or puddles from pools.
• Inspect your extension cords for damage – Before using any extension cord, inspect it carefully for damage. A damaged electrical cord always presents a safety risk – especially if you plan on using it outdoors. Any cracked extension cords or exposed wires should not be used, especially outdoors where it is exposed to the elements.
• Install GFCIs – A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is a device that can help improve the safety of your outlets. Outlets that are near water sources, such as outdoor outlets or bathroom outlets, should have a GFCI outlet installed. A GFCI will shut off the power to the outlet if the circuit is compromised, like exposure to water, a spilled drink, etc. This will help to protect your electrical appliances as well as keep you and your family safe.
• Trim back your tree branches – If the branches on your property are growing a little too close to any power lines, have them trimmed back to prevent any downed power lines during high winds or thunderstorms that come in late summer when we get tropical storms coming up the east coast during hurricane season.
• Don’t fly kites or drones near power lines – If you have power lines that are located relatively close to your home, keep those kites and drones away from the area.
• Know where your breaker box or electrical panel is located in your home or garage – If there’s any type of electrical emergency in your home, then you’ll need to know where your breaker box is located so you can immediately shut off your power in any emergency situation. It’s also the first thing you check if you suddenly lose power to an appliance or section of your home.

We hope you enjoy all the fun and socializing that the summer days bring, but do it safely. Protect your family and guests from electrical risks and your home from potential damage by following these simple electrical safety tips.

DEGREE is proud to provide you with a wide range of electrical repairs and installation services. If you need an electrician or have questions, give Degree a call, our team of licensed electricians can address all your electrical needs, big or small. Call today!