How To Prepare Your House For A Winter Snow Storm

For many, winter can hold a sense of wonder and beauty, but for some, it can be a time of extra stress. Having to commute during icy or snowy conditions can have even the most cautious drivers white-knuckling their steering wheel. While many of us know what to do to make sure we stay safe during a snowstorm, we may not know how to prepare our homes. There are tasks we should do every year to make sure our homes are prepared for winter. These usually include having your chimney cleaned and inspected, checking your roof for loose shingles, and winterizing doors and windows. However, there are additional things you should check and address around your home before a winter snowstorm, such as protecting pipes, sealing drafts, and checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Depending on which area of the U.S. you live in, winter can be anywhere from a mild inconvenience to downright treacherous. Thanks to technological advancements, snowstorms can be predicted with greater accuracy, making it easier for us to be prepared and take appropriate actions earlier. And during these storms, it's just as important to tackle weak points in your home as it is around it to prevent a minor inconvenience from becoming an expensive, possibly even life-threatening situation. Think of it this way: If pruning branches is the one thing you must do in your yard before a big storm, then preparing your house is the next essential step.

If you've taken a look at the weather forecast and see a snowstorm moving into your area, there are a few things you can do to protect your home from possible damage. First, turn off the water to your washing machine if it is in an area with little or no insulation. If you have exposed water pipes, either in a crawl space or other area that is exposed to the cold, you should add insulating material. If you can't add insulation, be sure to properly drip your faucets to prevent freezing. This means remembering to turn on both hot and cold water at a trickle on your faucet.

Add extra caulking around windows or for a quick fix — block drafts with towels. You can also add insulation to your windows with an insulation kit. Don't forget to repair any loose shingles, replace any that are missing, and clean your gutters. Doing so will help protect your roof during the snowstorm. Be sure to remove any excess snow from your roof as soon as possible — you can hire someone if you don't feel safe doing it yourself.

One of the most overlooked tasks to perform before a snowstorm is to check and replace batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This is especially important if you are using your fireplace, wood stove, or portable heater during the storm. Remember to never use camp stoves or grills in your home for heat; these are not meant for indoor use. These steps will help protect you and your home against fires and will keep you safe during a snowstorm.