How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms

Properly winterizing your home before snow and freezing temperatures arrive can prevent costly damage and keep your family safe and warm. Here's your complete guide to preparing your home for winter storms.

Protect Your Plumbing

Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive winter problems. Insulate pipes in unheated areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Wrap outdoor faucets with insulation covers. Disconnect and drain garden hoses. During extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly to prevent freezing.

Check Your Heating System

Have your furnace or heating system professionally inspected before winter. Replace filters regularly. Ensure you have enough fuel if you use oil or propane. Test your heating system to make sure it's working properly before you need it most.

Seal Drafts and Insulate

Check windows and doors for drafts. Apply weatherstripping or caulk where needed. Add insulation to attics and walls if necessary. This not only keeps you warmer but also reduces heating costs.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Remove leaves and debris from gutters before winter. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams, which can damage your roof and lead to water leaks inside your home.

Trim Trees and Remove Dead Branches

Heavy snow can cause weak or dead branches to fall on your home, car, or power lines. Trim trees before winter storms arrive. This is especially important if branches hang over your roof or driveway.

Prepare Your Roof

Inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles. Heavy snow can exacerbate existing problems. Ensure your roof can handle the weight of accumulated snow. Consider installing roof heating cables in areas prone to ice dams.

Stock Emergency Supplies

Keep flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, first-aid kit, non-perishable food, and water on hand. If you lose power during a storm, you'll be prepared. A generator can also be valuable for extended outages.

Plan for Sidewalk Maintenance

Many cities require property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall. If you'll be away, arrange for someone to handle this. Getting 24-hour advance notice of snow helps you coordinate this ahead of time.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter is when heating systems are used most, increasing fire and carbon monoxide risks. Test all detectors and replace batteries. Ensure you have working detectors on every level of your home.