Preparing Your Home for the WinterX

This year the annual cold snap took its toll and stranded many in the north east, Chicago, mid-west and elsewhere with huge snow storms, record below zero temperatures and much more. If you live in an area where the winters are cold and unforgiving, there are a few steps you can take to stay warm and safe in your home. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers emergency preparedness advice and recommends that the first step to keeping your family warm and safe during the winter is to listen to the weather forecasts and be aware when a winter storm might be upon you so you can prepare.  In some areas a winter storm can manifest in rain, snow, winds and in some cases all three.  While no one can control the elements completely, being in the know is always the first step to being prepared. In addition to staying on top of the weather forecast to the best of your ability, the CDC says to make sure you have emergency supplies – a flashlight, enough water for two days or more, canned or dried foods, first aid supplies, cash, shovels and even a change of clothes. In additions to supplies, you also need to also prepare your house.  That means cleaning out the chimney, gutters, and making sure your roof leaks are fixed and can withstand the elements in especially cold snow, rain or winds, according to the toiture montreal. Also, it is important to make sure your heating devices are working properly. The CDS writes: “If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. Ask your local fire department to recommend an inspector or find one in the yellow pages of your telephone directory under chimney cleaning.” In addition, if you are using a wood stove or kerosene heater, the CDC advises you to install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the heated area to ensure no one is affected by carbon monoxide poisoning.  Since carbon monoxide is odorless, it is hard to detect on your own if the heated area is safe. Another important prep for the winter months is to insulate your water lines on the exterior of your house.   “To the extent possible, weatherproof your home by adding weather-stripping, Rochester spray foam insulation, insulated doors, and storm windows or thermal-pane windows,” the CDC recommends. In a nutshell, a little pre-planning can help ensure the winter is a comfortable one.  During the summer or autumn months, restock that emergency supply kit and make sure you do the correct inspections to weather-proof your house.  While no one is immune to the elements, taking the right precautions will go a long way in protecting your family (and pets).  Here are a few bullets to help you remember what steps to take:

• Listen to weather forecasts
• Have emergency supplies stocked full (also make sure you have the right tools on and such as a snow shovel)
• Have chimney cleaned and inspected
• Insulate outdoor water pipes
• Fix any leaks on your roof
• Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near your heating area so no one is affected by carbon monoxide
• Bring in outdoor pets