Winterize Your Home

To prepare for winter weather, you need to be sure your home is ready to face the cold temperatures and winter precipitation such as snow and ice.

Be sure you have sufficient insulation in walls and attics
Check weather-stripping on doors and windows.
If you don’t have storm windows or double-pane windows, consider covering your windows with plastic.
Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic
Allow indoor faucets to drip when temperatures drop below freezing.
Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
Be sure you have sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
Disconnect hoses from outside faucets. Place an insulated cover over outdoor faucets.
Be sure that crawlspace vents are closed.
Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
Winterize your barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your pets, livestock or equipment.
Be sure you have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways