Tips to prepare your home for a winter storm
- Keep your house heated to a minimum of 65 degrees.
- Know the location for the main water shutoff in your home.
- Insulate your exterior water lines to prevent freezing.
- Let your faucet drip to prevent a pipe burst.
- Stock emergency food, water and supplies.
- Bring your fur babies inside!
- Freshen up your weather-strip and caulking along doors and windows.
- Cover windows with plastic from the inside if you do not have double pane windows installed.
- Open your cabinets.
- Trim tree branches that could fall on your home or other structures and vehicles during a storm.
- If you are using a fireplace, wood stove, or a kerosene heater, be sure to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are working properly.
- Keep your fireplace flue closed when you’re not using it.
- Locate your fire extinguisher and keep it nearby.
- Ask a neighbor to check the house regularly any time you’re away.
- Clear gutters of debris to allow runoff from melting snow and ice.
- Watch for ice dams near your gutter downspouts to prevent water build up that can cause water intrusion.
- Run your swimming pool pump at night.
- Keep your garage doors closed.
- Stay informed by signing up for your local emergency alerts.
- Cover your container plants with compost, mulch or old blankets and towels.
- Place your hanging plants on the ground and cover them.
- For renters, try to touch base with your landlord if you’re unclear on what are tenant responsibilities and what are landlord responsibilities.
- Keep your sidewalks and entrances to your home clear of snow and ice.