Is your house ready for extreme winter weather? Winter storms can significantly impact your home and your life. To avoid a disastrous situation, take time now to prepare for whatever Mother Nature might throw at you:
#1 Make necessary repairs to your home.
- Clean out your gutters and downspouts
- Check your heating system and have necessary repairs performed immediately
- Examine your attic insulation
- Add insulation to doors and windows as needed
- Inspect your roof for signs of leaks or damage and get a roofing inspector out if needed
- Shut off your water valves to avoid the breaking and bursting of pipes
#2 Prepare another heat source.
You're taking the precautions necessary to get your heating system in top form. But if you lose power, you'll need something that doesn't rely on electricity to stay warm -- whether it's a fireplace, a wood stove or a kerosene heater. Be sure to have your fireplace or wood stove inspected and cleared of ash and creosote once a year to avoid a fire hazard.
#3 Put together an emergency kit.
- Candles and matches
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- A fully charged cell phone in case you need to call 911
- Blankets to keep you warm should the heating go out
- A first aid kit with bandages, medicine and other essentials
- Plastic sheets or black bags to cover broken windows and doors should something blow through and break them
#4 Stock up on non-perishables.
- Crackers
- Canned soups
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Fruits and vegetables
- Juice
- Bread
- Cereal
- Canned milk
- Protein bars and shakes
#5 Prepare for your pets, too.
Just like you, your pets will need food, water, necessary medications, and blankets to survive through the winter storm. If your pets are outdoor pets, now is the time to bring them inside. This might mean a messy cleanup, but it keeps your beloved pets from freezing in the snow.
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