Be Winter Ready

Lets face it, no one can stop Winter from coming. Staying inside is no guarantee of safety either. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.

Ensure that you have ample insulation and that your doors and windows are caulked and weather-stripped so you can keep the heat inside. Repair any roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home during a storm. Insulate your pipes, get your furnace and chimney inspected and cleaned, and be sure you know how to shut off your water valves in case a pipe bursts.

Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls. Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.Check your heating systems. Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys. Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available. If you do not have a working smoke detector, install one. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year. Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning emergencies.Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check or change the battery when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

Work slowly when doing outside chores. Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are participating in outdoor recreation.

Be ready to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards: young children, older adults, and the chronically ill.

If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.

You might not be ready for the snow to fly, however, if you follow these suggestions, you will be ready for it when it comes.