A winter storm can bring snow and ice, which can be beautiful from the comfort of your home. However, winter storms can also be dangerous, causing power outages, road closures, and personal injuries. That’s why preparing your home for a winter storm is important before the weather worsens. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a winter storm.
1. Get the House Ready
The first step in preparing for a winter storm is making sure your home is ready. Start by checking the gutters and downspouts to verify they’re clear of leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, damaging your roof and allowing water to leak inside your home. While you’re preparing, check the roof for loose or missing shingles. These need to be repaired or replaced before heavy snow and ice do further damage.
Next, check the windows and doors to make sure they’re sealed against the cold air. If you find cracks or gaps, fill them with caulk or weatherstripping. Install a door sweep to block chilly air from drafts underneath the door.
Make sure you have plenty of wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove. Purchase seasoned hardwoods for the fireplace. They will burn cleanly while keeping your family warm.
2. Stay Warm
Once your home is ready for a winter storm, it’s time to focus on keeping yourself warm. Dress in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing so you can easily adjust to changing temperatures. Don’t forget about your head, hands, and feet. These are the areas where heat escapes most quickly, so make sure they’re covered with hats, gloves, and socks or slippers.
If you lose power during a winter storm, close off unused rooms in your house so you can better heat the ones you use. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, open the damper and build small fires as you need them to stay warm.
3. Prepare for a Winter Storm with Food & Water
No matter how prepared you are for a winter storm, there’s always a chance you could lose power. Have enough food and water to last several days in case you can’t leave your house for an extended period. Purchase non-perishable food items like canned goods, dry cereal, peanut butter, and crackers. Buy plenty of bottled water (aim for at least one gallon per person daily). If you have pets, don’t forget about their food and water needs.
A little preparation goes a long way when weathering a winter storm. By getting your home ready and stocking up on supplies, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the snowfall safely, knowing you and your family are prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings this season.
Peconic Home Inspections offers inspections to customers on Long Island. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to request our services.