Winter is a pretty time of year for those who enjoy snowy landscapes and everything the holidays bring. However, winter weather can be rough. Large piles of snow, extreme cold, high winds, and freezing rain turn to ice, increasing hazards on roadways, sidewalks, and across properties of all types.
When winter turns to full swing, here is how to prepare for winter weather.
Weather Alerts
Set up weather alerts on your phone to monitor the weather continuously. Check ahead before making plans to go anywhere. At all times, assume severe winter weather is a possibility.
Bundle Up
Bundle up to maintain comfort levels in winter when you’re out and about. A winter jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof boots keep you warm and comfortable no matter what’s happening outside.
Emergency Contacts List
You may have friends or family who are more vulnerable to winter health hazards, such as seniors, individuals with chronic health conditions, anyone who is under or unhoused, and families with young children. Keep in touch with your emergency contacts list when/if needed.
Insulate to Minimize Heat Loss
Walls, attics, basements, and crawlspaces should all be properly insulated to minimize the potential heat loss. At the same time, ensure doors and windows are sealed either with caulk or weather-stripping.
Prepare Your Car
Set your car up with winter tires, ensure the windshield wipers work, and have a snow brush and scraper ready in the backseat. If your vehicle is in working order, this will help you navigate transportation challenges as best you can during the season.
Buy and Store Liquid De-Icer
Severe weather and winter are like brother and sister. Eventually, snow, blizzards, high winds, and/or heavy rain amount to ice-covered ground. Liquid de-icer is an organic and effective way to prevent ice and snow from bonding to treated surfaces, improving safety significantly.
Alternative Heat Source
An alternative heat source or generator is a smart investment for any home to combat the power outage risk. If your heating has trouble in winter, a generator or electric heater will save the day.
Be Aware of Heat Hazards
Many people use alternative heat sources in winter and mistakenly place combustible items or hazardous materials near them. Be aware of what’s around any heat source and where you place it.
Check Your Roof
Before winter, inspect your roof to ensure there are no weak areas where a collapse is more likely. Clear debris in the gutters to ensure water can drain and not accumulate as ice or snow.
Snow Removal Plan
Ensure you can clear snow off your property, whether with a shovel, snowblower, or hiring a snow removal service. Identify what you are responsible for clearing, such as what walkways and sidewalks you want to shovel or de-ice.
Assess Tree Health
Cold, windy weather can pose a hazard to unhealthy, weak trees or tree branches near your home. Consider contacting a professional arborist to assess tree health, cut hazardous branches, and potentially remove the tree.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Double-check fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are fully equipped with working batteries. Fire detectors should be installed outside every bedroom, on every level, and in working order.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Prevent costly water damage by turning off water to outdoor spigots, draining your plumbing, and ensuring the pipes are properly insulated. This may involve inspecting attics and crawlspaces and sealing any cracks and openings in exterior walls.
Emergency Kit
An emergency winter kit should include food, water, prescription medications, blankets, and similar supplies for a few days. Pack one for home and one for your vehicle to ensure you’re prepared for whatever may come.
Medical Equipment and Medication
If circumstances prevent you from getting to the pharmacy, fully stock any medication you may use in the winter. For any medical equipment that requires electricity, consider purchasing a portable power station or power bank to have it ready.
Furnace and Fireplace Cleaning
If your home uses a furnace or fireplace, cleaning it before winter weather is a smart investment. Furnaces, in particular, should have their thermostats checked, filters changed, and inspections carried out on the heat exchanger, condenser, vents, ignition switch, and furnace burners.
Avoid Harsh Storms
Planning, preparing, and avoiding an active winter storm is smart. Stay indoors if/when you can. Please stay off the roads unless necessary so the snowplows can clear the snow, apply liquid de-icer, and make driving safer.
