Your BCP Committee: Take a few minutes to prep for winter now

Shorelines Editor

By Pat Ingelse, Assistant Vice President, PMP

The leaves will be turning that gorgeous golden color soon, and the morning air will be getting a little crisp one of these days. You know the weather reports will be talking about the dreaded winter snowfalls and cold temps soon enough.

While we can handle the cold and snow, all it takes is one storm to knock out power, heat, and communication services for days. At the very least, heavy snowfall and fierce wind can make for a very long drive home. Here are a few ways to get set for the season:

  • Now is the time to start preparing for Old Man Winter by checking your car battery and assembling a winter kit for each of your vehicles (including a blanket, a flashlight and fresh batteries, and emergency flares).
  • Remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarm when you “fall back” on November 4.
  • That Sunday is also a good time to talk with your family about what to do if the power goes out. Checking the news for school and business closings is simple. But what should your family do if a heavy snow knocks out the power or heat? In the event of a long-term outage, how will you safely store any refrigerated medications or other crucial supplies? Emergencies do not care if they are inconvenient for you!
  • Remember to have our RPX automated notification number set up in your phone with a unique ring tone (and marked to bypass your “do not disturb” settings), so that you don’t miss an emergency- or weather-related call from the bank. That number is 866-646-7421.

    When it’s a cold and snowy winter, a little planning goes a long way. Be smart and stay safe, everyone!

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