Posted by Dawn Griffin
Preparing Your Home For Winter Storms
With a winter storm heading our way, bringing up to a foot of snow and potentially dangerous ice, now is the time to ensure your home is ready to handle whatever nature throws at us. The next two weeks are also expected to be bitterly cold, so these tips will help you prepare your home, conserve energy, and make the most of being indoors.
1. Inspect and Protect Your Heating System
- Check that your furnace or heating system is in good working order. Replace filters if needed to ensure efficiency.
- Use space heaters safely and only in well-ventilated areas; never leave them unattended.
- If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood or confirm your gas fireplace is operational.
2. Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, or garages.
- Leave faucets dripping slightly to keep water flowing and reduce the risk of freezing.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
3. Conserve Energy During Bitter Cold
- Lower your thermostat a few degrees and wear layers to reduce heating costs.
- Use programmable thermostats to optimize heating schedules.
- Keep curtains open during the day to let sunlight naturally warm your home, and close them at night to retain heat.
4. Seal Drafts and Insulate
- Check windows and doors for drafts and seal them with weather stripping or draft guards.
- Add extra insulation to attic spaces to retain heat.
- Place rolled towels or draft stoppers along door bottoms to keep cold air out.
5. Stock Up on Essentials
- Keep a supply of non-perishable foods, bottled water, and batteries on hand.
- Charge devices ahead of time and have backup power banks ready.
- Ensure you have plenty of blankets, candles, and flashlights in case of power outages.
- If you have extra supplies stored in unheated areas (water in garage, for example), you may want to bring inside to prevent freezing.
6. Prepare for Ice and Snow Removal
- Make sure your snow shovel is accessible and in good condition.
- Stock up on salt, sand, or kitty litter to treat icy areas.
- Have an ice scraper ready for your car and consider covering windshields overnight.
7. Plan Indoor Activities
- Create a cozy atmosphere with blankets, books, and board games to pass the time.
- Try indoor projects like reorganizing closets or tackling a home improvement task.
8. Monitor the Weather and Stay Informed
- Stay off the roads if at all possible.
- Stay updated on the latest forecasts and warnings from trusted sources.
- Sign up for local alerts to receive notifications about road conditions and emergency updates.
By taking these proactive steps, you can protect your home and loved ones while staying comfortable during the storm and the cold weeks ahead. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in making winter weather more manageable. Stay safe and warm!
