When the weather is freezing, and it feels like seeping down to your marrow, understand that the same thing is happening to your home. At this point, you should understand that you must prepare your home for snow and ice storms. Winterizing your home is the best thing to do. You need to find out when the snowstorm will be so severe. Therefore, you need to get all your supplies in case of emergency. Here is a brief guide on how to get ready to face the snow season.
Getting Ready for the Snow and Ice Season
Just like you need to protect yourself from cold, you must also protect your home and family. Here is how you should plan to keep your home safe and your family members warm throughout the cold season.
Get Your Emergency Supplies Ready
If you want to stay safe, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends having these items in the home. Go through this checklist:
- Get snow shovels. One or two shovels would do. You should get more than one because the shovel can break anytime. Aside you can have an extra one for assistance.
- Get an environmentally safe de-icer.
- An extra fuel supply would do. A wood-burning stove with a flue or vent, firewood for your fireplace, or a generator would do.
- Warming clothing, pillows, and blankets. Get these for everyone in the house because you might only be doing laundry for a while.
- Food and water.
- Get a transistor radio with new batteries.
- Medication and any specific items for members of your family.
- Flashlights.
- Pet food.
- Hand sanitizers contain about 60% of alcohol, disinfecting wipes, soap, and other cleaning materials.
- Clean masks. Get as many as possible in case your mask gets damp from snow.
Stock these items early in the season. If you do this when a storm is forecasted, it might get scarce, and your stand at risk. Aside, build an emergency supply kit for your vehicle. Jumper, a cell phone and charger, and first aid kits.
Winterizing Your Home
Here is a quick 5-step to get your home winterized for the season:
- Examine roof tiles, siding, shutters, and other parts to confirm they are well secured.
- Clear your gutters.
- Keep your home warmer by sealing air leaks. This will also help to save energy costs.
- Insulate exposed plumbing pipes to avoid bursts.
- Cut tree branches from your roof to avoid roof damage.
You may risk an ice dam if you do not clear your gutter. Also, note where all the water shut-off valves are located, so you can turn off the water supply when there is a leak. Overgrown tree branches over your rooftop are not advised. It can break and hit your roof, causing roof damage. Even when you plan to trim, do not attempt it yourself. Call in a pro to take care of it.
Conclusion
Keeping your home safe in winter is necessary. Snow and ice storm can be so severe that you might not be able to get out of the house for some time. Therefore, getting ready ahead of time is the best option. Get these items listed, and take your time.