Practical Tips for Preparing Your Home Ahead of Winter Weather
With winter weather approaching quickly, it’s important to prepare your home for whatever the season may bring. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can create memorable moments, but too often lead to frustrating challenges. A little preparation now can help you stay safe and comfortable all season long.
Stock up on emergency supplies
Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s smart to gather essential items in case of power outages, frozen pipes, or other unforeseen circumstances. Consider keeping the following on hand:
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- Blankets and warm clothing
- A space heater
- Firewood and matches
- Any necessary medications
Protect your plumbing
Winterize your pipes and drain any outdoor faucets or garden hoses to prevent freezing. When temperatures drop below freezing, allow your faucets to drip and consider leaving your cabinets open overnight to help prevent frozen or burst pipes. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to turn off the water supply in case a pipe bursts. Stay aware of local weather alerts and enable notifications on your smart devices so you know when extreme cold could put your pipes at risk.
Reverse your ceiling fans
You likely use your ceiling fans to stay cool in the summer, but did you know they have have a purpose for winter too? Since warm air rises, reversing your fan blades will push heat down into the room, helping your space feel warmer and potentially lowering your energy bills.
Sweep the chimney
A cluttered chimney is a fire hazard. Before burning your first pile of wood, clean your chimney and vents. Keeping your chimney clean can also help prevent dangerous gases like carbon monoxide from entering your home.
Seal your windows and doors
Feeling a draft? Cold air can sneak in through small cracks and gaps, making you pile on extra layers or turn up the thermostat. Check doors and windows for leaks, and have them sealed with weather-stripping, caulk, or expanding foam to keep your home warmer.
Clean your gutters
Clear out any sticks and leaves from your gutters, and make sure the downspout directs water away from your home’s foundation so melted snow and rain can drain smoothly.
Bring the heat
You don’t want to realize there’s an issue with your heat on the first cold night of the year. Before the cold season starts, have a licensed contractor inspect and clean it. Replacing the filter is recommended monthly during the winter.
Check your smoke detectors
Test your smoke detectors at least once a season. Clean off any dust, replace the batteries if needed, or consider upgrading to a newer model with an extended battery life for long-lasting protection.
Keep critters out
Squirrels, birds, and other wildlife love to shelter in warm attics and crawlspaces. Secure vents, roofs, decks, and other entry points to prevent animals from making themselves at home.
Trim the trees
Snow and ice can weigh down branches and cause them to fall, so have trees inspected and pruned in advance to help prevent damage to your home.
Even with careful preparation, winter-related damage can still occur.
Our best tip? Protect your home with Alfa Insurance.
All coverages are subject to deductibles and policy limits. This is not an insurance policy. It is intended only to provide a general description of Alfa Insurance® and/or its product lines and services. An actual policy contains the specific details of the deductibles, coverages, conditions and exclusions. Your Alfa® agent can explain the policy and benefits and answer any questions you may have before you buy.