10 things you should do now to prepare for winter

Being proactive before winter hits can save a lot of hassle and discomfort. Here’s a breakdown of how you can prepare yourself, your vehicle, and your home or business for the season.

10 essential things you can do to ensure you’re prepared:

1. Service Your Heating System

• Schedule a professional inspection and servicing for your furnace or heating system to ensure it’s working efficiently.
• Clean filters, check for leaks, and ensure your thermostat is working properly.

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2. Inspect Insulation and Seal Drafts

• Check windows, doors, and any other entry points for drafts. Seal gaps with weather stripping or caulking.
• Ensure your home is well-insulated, especially the attic, to prevent heat loss.

3. Stock Up on Winter Supplies

• Ensure you have essential winter supplies like salt or sand for icy walkways, snow shovels, and ice scrapers.
• Consider purchasing or tuning up a snow blower if necessary.

4. Prepare an Emergency Kit

• Stock your home with a winter emergency kit that includes water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, blankets, and a first-aid kit.
• Prepare one for your car as well, with essentials like a blanket, food, and a flashlight in case of roadside emergencies.

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5. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Ensure they are functioning properly since indoor heating increases the risk of fire and carbon monoxide buildup.

6. Inspect the Roof and Gutters

• Clean gutters to prevent ice dams that can cause roof damage.
• Inspect your roof for any loose or missing shingles, and make necessary repairs before snow accumulation.

7. Protect Your Pipes

• Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements and garages, to prevent freezing.
• Consider leaving faucets dripping on particularly cold nights to keep water moving through pipes.

8. Reverse Ceiling Fans

• Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to push warm air down. Most ceiling fans have a switch for this.

9. Get Your Car Ready

• Check your car’s battery, antifreeze levels, tires, and brakes.
• Replace windshield wipers and fill the washer fluid reservoir with winter fluid that won’t freeze.

10. Plan for Power Outages

• Be prepared for power outages by having a backup heat source like a wood stove or space heater.
• Have extra blankets, warm clothes, and power banks to charge essential devices.

Getting these tasks done ahead of time will make winter a lot more manageable and comfortable!