Ideally, a winter storm is merely uncomfortable and annoying, but winter weather can sometimes be dangerous for you and your home. As we head into the season, know your area’s risk for winter storms and take steps to prepare your home for winter storms to lower the chances of damage and danger. Winter prep starts with a thorough inspection of your property, both inside and out and top to bottom. Look for everything from roof leaks to door gaps to clogged gutters — anything that could lead to damage from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Here’s a quick summary of the most important tasks to take care of:
TEST YOUR SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
This is something that should be part of your regular home maintenance, and it's especially important when you are using your furnace and fireplace regularly. Follow the EPA's guidelines for where to install CO detectors and how to inspect and maintain them; then check out the National Fire Protection Association’s guidelines for smoke alarms. Make sure your fire extinguisher is handy and working as well.
INSTALL AN EASY-TO-READ THERMOMETER
The CDC recommends installing easy-to-read thermometers in locations where you'll see them frequently. This is especially important for older adults, as our sense of temperature changes as we age, increasing the risk of cold-related health issues.
FIX DRAFTY WINDOWS AND DOORS
Door sweeps, weatherstripping, and caulk can be used to fill spaces that allow cold air in. If your home has older windows, floor-to-ceiling thermal curtains can also help with insulation even if you lose heating.
WINTERIZE YOUR OUTDOOR FAUCETS
Before freezing temperatures arrive, make sure your outdoor plumbing is prepared. To winterize exterior faucets, remove and store hoses, shut off outdoor water, drain spigots, close them up, and insulate with covers. While you don't need to fully winterize your indoor plumbing unless your house will be vacant for an extended period of time, you should look for pipes that are not insulated and in or near unheated spaces and consider applying insulation sleeves or heat tape.
CHECK YOUR FURNACE
Turn your furnace on and make sure it's working properly. Even if you don't need to heat your home right now, you don't want to scramble to schedule an emergency repair down the line when it's freezing outside. Look for common signs that your unit needs maintenance, such as unusual smells and noises, short cycling, and lack of actual heat. Replace your air filter as well.
INSPECT AND CLEAN YOUR FIREPLACE
Like your furnace, your fireplace or wood stove needs seasonal maintenance to avoid chemical buildup and ensure proper venting. The NFPA recommends annual cleaning, which you can do yourself. However, if it's been awhile since your fireplace was professionally inspected and cleaned, consider scheduling a chimney sweep before you start your first winter fire. You can find one online or ask your local fire department for a recommendation.
STOCK YOUR SNOW SUPPLIES
Make sure snow shovels are accessible and restock your ice melt. If you use a snowblower, give it a thorough inspection and replace any worn or damaged parts, change the oil, top it off with fresh gas, and start it up to make sure it runs.
REPLENISH YOUR EMERGENCY KIT
You should be prepared for storms during any season with a stock of disaster supplies so you and your family (and pets) can survive without outside aid for a few days if needed. Here’s a guide for creating an emergency kit if you don't have one already, but you should also check all supplies and replenish anything that has been used or is missing. For winter, be sure you also have sleeping bags, warm blankets, and climate-appropriate changes of clothes and shoes available.
