During extremely cold weather, winter storms are common, and staying safe is of prime importance. Of course, your home should be the safest place to seek protection from winter storms.
But if your structure hasn’t received the necessary prep work to deal with the extreme weather, you may not get the protection you need, resulting in costly damages to your home.
So, while you still have time, here are some ways to prepare your home for winter storms.
Photo by Jill Wellington
Inspect your house for signs of vulnerability
You can start preparing by walking around your house to identify any sign of vulnerability that might be a problem during a winter storm. Remember to write down the things you notice so you don’t miss anything important.
Look for signs like cracks, loose siding or shingles, and spaces around your doors and windows. Also, look for openings where snow swept by strong wind could enter and find ways to block them.
And don’t forget to examine your roof for any sign of weakness. You can call an expert to help you with the needed repairs or renovations.
Winterize your home
After identifying the vulnerable areas in your structure, you need to winterize your home before the cold weather hits. Winterizing your home means preparing it for use in extremely cold weather.
Doing this is particularly important if you live in an area with severe winter weather. Start by insulating your walls, basement, and attic to improve your heating efficiency. Next, seal the gaps around your doors and windows or invest in winterproof options.
Also, ensure that your heating system is properly cleaned and serviced to perform efficiently. If you notice any draughty areas during your inspection, be sure to caulk them to prevent leaks.
Prepare for power outages
Winter storms can sometimes lead to power outages, so you must prepare. While you cannot control when the power goes off, you can equip yourself with some essentials to make the experience less stressful.
Some essential items worth having are water bottles, blankets, a battery-powered torch light and radio, an extra mobile phone with a strong battery, a first aid kit, a portable camp stove, canned food, and some candles.
You can also get a portable power source like a generator or consider a solar panel installation as a power source of alternative.
A widespread misconception is that solar panels aren’t effective during winter, which is wrong. Solar panels work effectively during winter and cloudy days, as in other seasons. And you can even install one with batteries to help you store power for night use.
Stay safe from carbon monoxide
Reports indicate that hundreds of people die from carbon monoxide poisoning, usually from using alternative cooking and power sources. So, if you rely on a gas-powered stove or generator, you must ensure that you’re safe from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The easiest way is to keep such appliances outside, well protected from harsh weather, and well-ventilated whenever you use them.
