Preparing for Winter Weather
Fall is an ideal time to update your emergency plans and emergency kits, winterized your homes and vehicles before severe weather arrives. Here are a few ideas of how to prepare for the winter ahead.
Home and Property Preparation
- Clean gutters and roofs: Clear leaves and debris to
prevent ice damming and water damage. - Inspect heating systems: Have your furnace, fireplace, and chimney checked and serviced.
- Seal windows and doors: Replace old weather stripping to keep out cold drafts and retain heat during power outages.
- Check exterior drainage: Ensure downspouts direct water at least 2 meters (6 feet) away from your foundation to prevent basement flooding.
Emergency Kits and Supplies
- Refresh your emergency kit: Restock expired non-perishable food, bottled water, and medical supplies.
- Test safety devices: Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries as needed.
- Prepare vehicle kits: Add cold-weather gear to your car, including a blanket, extra clothing, an ice scraper, a small shovel, and window washer fluid.
Emergency Planning
- Review your household plan: Confirm meeting places and practice evacuation routes with everyone in your home.
- Stay informed: Sign up for local community alert systems and download weather monitoring applications to track incoming winter storms.