When temperatures drop below freezing, it’s time to prepare your home so that it’s safe during the winter. While it may seem like homes are already built to withstand harsh weather, there are necessary precautions to take before they can face the cold. Just as you need warmth and heat, your home needs to be protected from the outdoor elements. In this article, we’ll show you exactly the steps you can take to avoid any disasters this winter.
Always Keep Emergency Supplies
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, you should still have a handful of essential backup items. Show shovels are a must, as many inches of snow may be too much for one shovel to take. Instead, make sure you have backup shovels.
On top of that, you should always have deicers on hand. If you have pets, keep ones that are pet-friendly. It’s also important to find ones that are more eco-friendly, as some may not be safe to use around your family. Find ones that rely on calcium magnesium acetate or sand, as these will be able to melt ice and prevent you from falling.
Other essentials include extra fuel for keeping your home warm. If your primary source of heat goes out, you may end up freezing before you find a method to warm up. Having extra firewood, fuels, or a backup electrical generator can help save you from a freezing day.
Speaking of cold days, you should also stock up on extra pillows, blankets, winter gear, and other essentials for keeping yourself warm without a heating source. Food and water should be kept in a sealed container, and having an emergency radio never hurts.
Check Your Home to Ensure There’s No Damage
The winter can be harsh on your home, especially if you live in an area that generally doesn’t experience long or cold winters. Many things can go wrong during severe weather, but we’ve listed out a few of the primary concerns. First, take a step back and look at your home to determine what to check.
Some common areas that tend to get overlooked are the roofing tiles, siding, or any element keeping you from experiencing the cold outside. If there’s heavy snowfall, then check the roof. It’s not uncommon for roofs to collapse due to overexposure from snow. Making sure that there are no problems with the foundation is also a smart place to start.
Check to see that all gutters are clear, and make it a task to seal any air from leaking from your home. This not only prevents your home from becoming cold, but it also stops the warm air from seeping out. Plus, sealing up air leaks can help save on your electric or heating bills.
Lastly, check to see that there are no burst pipes or pipes that may get exposed to cool air. If they do happen to be exposed, consider insulating them. Another issue to check for is any branches, twigs, or objects on top of the roof. Removing these items can prevent the roof from caving in.
Conclusion
It only takes one severe storm before your home is ruined. To save yourself the hassle of suffering through a storm, it’s best to be prepared by taking precautions. Hopefully, you’ve found these tips helpful for preventing any issues from occurring.