Winter is some people’s favorite season. However, if you’re not prepared, your winter wonderland can turn into a chilly ordeal. Here is how to prepare your household for the season from the outside in:
Prepping the Outside
Begin with inspecting the outside of your house, starting at the top. Check your roof for loose shingles, gutters full of fallen leaves, or overhanging branches that may snap under ice weight and cause damage. Don’t forget to check in your attic for hidden problems like signs of water damage. Next, move down. Look for splits and loose boards on your siding and damage to the foundation.
Prepping the Inside
Inspect and prepare the inside of your home for winter. Heat will be one of your main concerns, so have your chimney cleaned if you use one. Otherwise, check and test your heaters. If there’s an issue, contact a specialist immediately so you don’t have to wait when you need it the most. Remember to check both cracked window and door seals, which can let moisture in and warm air out, leading to high heating bills and other problems. Finally, look at the plumbing in your home. You may need to use insulation or a heat lamp to keep exposed pipes from freezing.
Other Tips
Create or restock an emergency kit in case bad weather leaves you stranded at home. This kit should include:
- water
- food for both people and pets
- a well-stocked first aid kit
- backup medication
- emergency lighting like candles, flashlights, and extra batteries
If there’s a possibility of getting snowed in, be sure that you have plenty of entertainment to keep the kids occupied. Have a few things that don’t require electricity like board games or puzzles. Also remember to air out all your winter coats and blankets and lay out doormats.
Are You Ready?
Prepping your house for winter may seem overwhelming. However, if you go in with a plan, you’ll cover all your bases and have a worry-free holiday season. Do a few items every weekend or get the whole family involved and knock home winterizing out of the way in one day.
