In Light of Recent Weather Events, Here are "Winter Storm Questions and Answers" for Home Owners

Winter Storm Questions & Answers

Posted: 12/22/2011

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Q: What are some steps homeowners can take in advance of a winter storm to help prevent or minimize damage?
A: Have a plan. What will your alternate heat and/or power source be? Where will you go if your residence is not fit to live in? Most areas have emergency plans — who can you contact locally for assistance? City/County/Red Cross/Faith-Based Group? Good general maintenance of your property will minimize opportunity for loss during winter storms. If you lose power during freezing temperatures and it becomes necessary for you to leave your residence unattended, turning off the main water source could prevent serious water damage if any plumbing is affected.

How did you weather the Up North Storm of 2012?

The storm started Saturday evening, and announced itself with a 30 ft tree branch knocking on our front door!

Throughout the night, many branches weighed down by heavy, wet snow continued to fall around our property. By morning, we were out power and our driveway was blocked by fallen and bent over trees.

During this storm, we went the day without power, had a creosote fire in the vent of our wood burning furnace, called 911, had 7 of Grand Traverse County's finest fireman here on the scene very quickly to take care of what could have been disastrous! We had pizza and played Euchre with our lovely neighbors and hunkered down for the night anticipating another day without power. THANKFULLY before we could put our weary heads to rest...The POWER came back ON :-) So today, Sunday after the storm, we continue to clean up from our adventure as well as partake in some fun activities. So working on the igloo in the yard and taking the kids sledding is on the list of activities today! We hope not everyone had as eventful day as we did, and that other Up Northers are safe and warm this Sunday morning! More pictures to come...Be safe, Stay Warm, and Love the Up North!