PREPARING FOR WINTER

The incoming wintery weather may bring some brutal conditions essential to prepare for. It is vital to have a plan to better protect your family and help mitigate any unforeseen emergencies.

Make sure you check the weather forecast and anticipate any inclement weather in your area, so you are not caught off guard. 

Inside

• Make sure nothing is blocking any heating vents. Look for anything that could impede airflow, such as furniture, pet beds, and curtains. 
• Set your fans to spin clockwise. Believe it or not, the direction makes a difference. Adjusting your fan to rotate clockwise will push rising warm air downward. Switch it to clockwise if you want the room to be warmer, and then switch it to counterclockwise if you need to cool down again.
• Stay well-stocked on basic supplies. Wintery weather can bring snow, sleet, and ice and make navigating the roads tricky. Make sure you have items you may need on hand. Batteries, flashlights, nonperishable food items, and bottled water are all important items to keep in stock. 
• If you plan to use an indoor fireplace, check that all of your smoke detectors are in working order and install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. It is also important to keep a fire extinguisher in the house in case of emergency. 

Outside

• Bring all of your pets inside if possible. If you are unable to, make sure they have shelter from the cold and an unfrozen water source. 
• Check to make sure your gutters are unobstructed. Clear gutters can help water (and snow) drain off your roof. This helps reduce the chances of ice blockage causing water or melted snow to freeze in your gutters and seep into and under your roof, causing water damage. 
• Equipment like lawnmowers and grills should be moved into storage. Cover or move your outdoor furniture to protect it from potential damage. You will also want to bring in or wrap potted plants and flowering trees before the first freeze. 
• Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls, so they are less likely to freeze. Outdoor water systems should be drained and covered or allowed to drip slowly.