What You Need to Know for Winter Storms

11/4/2022 (Permalink)

• Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone in your home knows how to use them. 
• If your smoke alarms get power from your home’s electrical system (hardwired), make sure the backup battery is replaced at least once a year so that your alarms will work during a power outage. 
• Insulate water pipes with insulation or newspaper and plastic, and allow faucets to drip or trickle during cold weather to avoid freezing. 
• Learn how to shut off water valves if a pipe bursts. Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of your roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow or ice. 
• Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic. 
• Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or neighboring structure during, or following, a storm. 
• Keep pathways and driveways clear between storms to avoid buildup of snow piles and icing. 
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.