Believe it or not, it’s time to talk about winter weather preparedness. Winter weather is just around the corner!

Are you ready?

Prepare Your Home

Weatherproofing

• Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.

• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.

• Insulate walls and attic.

• Install storm or thermal-pane windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.

• Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm.

Have your chimney or flue inspected each year.

If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. Ask your local fire department to recommend an inspector or find one online.

Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector.

• If you’ll be using a fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater, install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year.

• Keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby.

• All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside.

• Each winter season have your furnace system and vent checked by a qualified technician to ensure they are functioning properly.