For Your Home

Winter Weather Tips For Your Home

A major winter storm can be lethal. Preparing your home for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms. To prepare your home, we suggest the following:

Winterize Your Home

• Insulate walls and attic
• Caulk and add weather-stripping to doors and windows
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside
• Install and check smoke detectors
• Service snow-removal equipment
• Have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways
• Use kitty litter to generate temporary traction

Have Safe Emergency Heating Equipment Available

• Keep an ample supply of wood at fireplace
• Use small, well-vented, wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel
• Use portable space heaters or kerosene heaters
• Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel

Keep Pipes from Freezing

• Wrap pipes with insulation or layers of old newspapers
• Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture
• Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing
• Know how to shut off water valves