Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms
Is your home ready to withstand the next big snowstorm? Consider taking these preventive steps now to ensure your home is prepared for the harsh winter weather all season long:
- Check your heating system: Before firing up your furnace, boiler or chimney, have your heating system(s) serviced to make sure they are working properly. It’s a good idea to have these checked at least once a year.
- Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: As the mercury drops and more of us light fires in the fireplace and use indoor heaters, residential fires and carbon monoxide poisoning increase, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Check your detectors regularly to make sure they are in proper working condition.
- Inspect and insulate pipes: Carefully inspect pipes for cracks and leaks and have them repaired as soon as possible. Insulate exposed pipes and seal cracks to prevent them from leaking or even bursting. Also, know the location of your home’s main water shutoff valve.
- Seal exterior cracks and holes: To keep your energy bill low and your home free of mold, caulk openings and install weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent cold air and moisture from entering.
- Clean out gutters and trim trees: Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters so rain and melting snow can flow freely. This will help prevent backed up gutters and water seeping into your house through ceilings and walls. It’s also a good idea to trim trees and remove dead branches that could fall on your home or car during a snow or ice storm.
- Stock up on emergency items: Be sure you have flashlights and a portable radio with extra batteries, any necessary medications, at least three days of water and non-perishable food for family and pets, a can opener, first-aid supplies, heating fuel, and a lighter and/or generous supply of matches.