Winter in Montana is no joke. The snow can be punishing and the cold overwhelming. Getting through the winter can require careful planning and extreme caution. Fortunately, the disaster restoration specialists at FloodCo, serving Flathead Valley and Northwest Montana, have put together a few handy tips for navigating winter emergencies safely. 

3 Essential Tips for Getting Through Winter Emergencies From Disaster Restoration Specialists

1. Prepare

First, it’s important to make sure you’re properly prepared for a winter emergency. Gather salt, sand, and a shovel, so you’ll be able to get your car moving if it becomes snowed in. Then, make sure you have ample fuel for your wood-burning stove or fireplace, and plenty of blankets in case your heat goes out. You should also ensure your house is properly insulated and that there aren’t any gaps between your windows and your walls where cold air can come in. Gather and store enough canned food and water to last you several days, and make sure you don’t need energy to safely prepare the food. Finally, make sure you have a battery-powered radio so you can get updates even if the power goes out.

2. Stay Warm

Make sure you have a proper jacket for the colder months. Watch out for frostbite, and keep skin covered as much as possible. If you think you have frostbite, cover the area and seek medical attention immediately. You should also watch out for signs of hypothermia. If you, or someone you’re with, is shivering uncontrollably, becomes disoriented easily, and has an abnormally low body temperature, seek medical attention immediately. 

3. Travel Carefully

If possible, you should stay in your warm home during winter emergencies. If staying is unsafe, drive slowly and carefully. Speed is not your friend when there’s snow on the roads.

Has your house been damaged by a winter emergency in the Columbia Falls, MT, area? Do you need help from disaster restoration specialists? Give FloodCo a call at (406) 892-1717, and they’ll be happy to help. Visit their website to find out more about their full range of disaster restoration services.