As temperatures drop, the risk of severe winter weather conditions and sudden power outages rise. Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds. Preparing your family ahead of time can help minimize the impact on your home and family. Every home should have an emergency plan for adverse weather.

Here are a few tips for your emergency plan.

Assemble an emergency kit and talk to your kids about how to respond in certain situations. Keep blankets, non-perishable food, flashlights, and batteries.
Be careful using space heaters and generators. If your power is out and you are relying on a fireplace, fire hazards are also a concern. Take precautions when heating your home.
A burst pipe can cause more than $5,000 in water damage! Thankfully, you can do something to help protect your pipes from freezing in bitter-cold weather.
Let faucets drip during serious cold snaps to provide relief for your pipes.
Give your home a once over for any exposed or vulnerable piping, and wrap them with insulation. Hardware stores usually carry foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves for pipes, which are easy to install.
When snow is forecast, try to avoid making unnecessary journeys, or wait until the roads have been gritted. If you need to clear a snowy or icy path or driveway, only do so if it won't pose a risk to your safety. It's also a good idea to buy de-icing salt for your drive or path before snow or ice comes.

If you live in an HOA community and extreme weather or ice impacts community property, follow the emergency guidelines that are in place in your HOA information.

Stay safe contact emergency officials when necessary.