Home & Garden
Winter Storm 101: What to Do and Who to Call for Help
Whether you need help with snow removal or furnace repair, put these local pros on speed dial.
Brace yourselves: Winter is far from over. There's another winter storm warning in effect for much of New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York City, Long Island, Connecticut, and Eastern Pennsylvania. And after last week's deadly nor'easter left millions without power, no one is taking this storm lightly.
If you live in certain places along the Eastern Seaboard, there’s a chance you could get snowed in this week. And while stocking the fridge is one way to be prepared, it’s also critical to know where to find help when you need it.
Here’s a look at what to do — and who to call — to get through the storm.
Know Your Snow Removal Options
Freshly fallen white snow is pretty until it becomes a pain. Snow removal is a necessary part of home ownership, and depending on the size and scope of your property, you may find it’s more efficient to hire a professional than to tackle the job yourself.
The three most common methods of snow removal are:
- Shoveling — If you're physically able, you may choose to remove snow and ice from walkways and your driveway the old-fashioned way.
- Snow blowing — For larger properties, you may want to consider a snow blower. Operating a snow blower may appear to be easier than shoveling, but it still requires a good deal of physical effort to guide and maneuver safely.
- Plowing — For large driveways, a plow may be your best bet for snow removal. If you have a truck and buy your own plow, you can perform this task yourself. But if you're not sure what you're doing, you may want to bring in the professionals. An experienced snow plowing company can remove the snow from your driveway safely and efficiently — without causing damage to your pavement.
If you're concerned about getting your car out of the driveway, you may want to ask around and find a plowing company that will dig your car out of the snow as well as clear your driveway.
Find Pre-Screened Snow Removal Contractors in Your Area
Have a Heating Pro On Call
Ensure that your heating system is in good working order before the storm hits.
Furnace or forced air: Ideally, HVAC tuning should be done before winter. If you haven’t already replaced the filter in your furnace and closed any vents in your home that were been opened for warmer weather, you'll want to do that ASAP. If your heating system is not working properly, contact a professional to get it fixed before the weather worsens.
Find Local Pre-screened Furnace and Heating Repair Contractors
Fireplace: For safety reasons, chimneys and wood stoves should be cleaned early in the season. If you haven't done this yet, contact a professional to do the job before attempting to utilize your fireplace as a source of heat.
Find Chimney and Fireplace Cleaning Professionals in Your Area
Stock Up on Essentials
Make sure you have plenty of blankets, batteries, flashlights and other essentials on hand before inclement weather strikes. The American Red Cross recommends having at least a three-day supply of food and water and a seven-day supply of necessary medications for all people and pets in your household. Other suggested items include:
- First aid kit
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter (to make walkways and steps less slippery)
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