Preparing for Blizzards

In 1991, Minnesota experienced the most catastrophic blizzard in its history, dubbed the Halloween Blizzard. The storm began on October 31st and raged for four days, ending on November 3rd. It dumped about two and a half feet of snow on MSP and more than three feet of snow on Duluth. Roads closed, and people became trapped in their homes.

Although that marks the worst blizzard in Minnesota’s history, every winter promises at least one major snow event, and proper preparation can prevent damage to your home and person. Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. can explain how to prepare your Little Falls, MN home for heavy snow.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Purchase a ready-made emergency kit from a local hardware or home improvement store. These kits provide a first aid kit, emergency blanket, a few meals-ready-to-eat (MREs), a flashlight, and batteries, and may include emergency flares.

Add to this kit your own medications and those of family members, plus added canned food and water.

Get Ready for Power Outages

Have on hand a few high-powered flashlights with rechargeable batteries or fresh batteries. Purchase a backup generator to keep the heat going while a storm continues. While most homes in Minnesota feature buck stoves or fireplaces, those heat sources can’t battle a four-day blizzard alone.

Small generators that can provide about 1200 watts of power cost less than $500. These devices come in solar, gas, and propane versions. Keep it outside; the gas and propane versions require an individual to replenish their fuel every few hours. You can keep the solar-type indoors and let its solar panels recharge by placing them in the window. The panels may sit on the roof with a permanently installed solar backup.

Contact Us

Let us help you protect your Little Falls, MN home. Contact Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. for home insurance, so you can repair your home after the blizzard without spending too much of your own money.