A Winter Preparation Checklist

Each year we share articles on how to prepare your car, your home, and your family for winter weather. Using this information, we created a winter checklist for you.

With September designated as National Preparedness Month, now is a perfect time to prepare yourself for winter or any emergency. We hope this list helps you get ready. For additional information on emergency preparedness visit www.ready.gov/plan.

Stock up on emergency supplies

Make sure you have an emergency kit at home and in your car. Check to see that both are well stocked. Include the following:

Food and water for you and your family. Also, remember to have enough food and water for your furry friends.
Prescription medications for you, other family members, and your pets too.
A flashlight with extra batteries along with a battery-powered radio, in the event of an extended power outage.
Consider purchasing a portable power bank or charger for your cell phone. Make sure both your cell phone and charger are fully charged in case of a power outage.
Never use generators or barbecue grills indoors. These appliances can allow deadly carbon monoxide to build up.

Preparing your car

Have your vehicle serviced according to manufacturer recommendations. Check the antifreeze level.
Make sure your tires are in good shape and properly inflated based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Check the condition of snow tires or chains before the weather sets in.
Replace wiper blades and replace wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
In preparation for a storm, keep the gas tank nearly full. This helps avoid ice in the fuel lines and the gas tank itself.
Check to confirm your battery has a good charge, your heater and defroster are working well, and the emergency lights are functional.
Pack an emergency kit including a flashlight, protein bars and water, toilet paper, an emergency blanket, roadside visibility reflectors, a snow brush and ice scraper, jumper cables, and a bag of sand to help with traction.
During a storm be smart. If you don’t have to drive, stay put. If you must drive, make sure you’ve winterized your car, and you have a full tank of gas.

Preparing yourself

In the event of cold weather always wear temperature-appropriate clothing, such as hats, gloves, scarves, etc., especially when outside. Remove any wet clothing immediately. Keep spare clothing in your car throughout the winter in case you are stranded or stuck.
Stay hydrated. You might think this is more important when it’s warm outside, but it’s just as vital in winter.
Shoveling snow is hard work. Be mindful of physical exertion and the amount of time you’re spending outdoors.

Preparing your home

Drain water sprinkler and swimming pool supply lines.
Remove, drain, and store outdoor hoses.
Insulate your walls and attic, caulk and weather-strip doors and windows, and insulate water lines that run along outer walls.
Remove debris from gutters.
Inspect the chimney or flue if you use a fireplace or wood stove.
Make sure your house has working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them monthly.
Remove extra debris, dead branches, and unhealthy trees. Call a professional to assess their health.
Keep the roof clean and free from moss, leaves, and debris. Replace the roof if needed.
Check seals around windows and doors. Consult a service provider if you notice water around a window or door.
Repair fencing especially if the fencing materials weakened during the weather.
Repair or replace aging plumbing fixtures or hoses. Inspect for leaks, corrosion, or loose connections and replace it if necessary.
Replace air filters in HVAC systems every three months. Schedule regular professional inspections.
Consider purchasing a generator. In the event of a power failure, a generator can help you weather a storm. If you use a portable generator, follow the instructions, and do not use it indoors. If you want to purchase a generator and need a trusted referral, we can provide one.

Before and during a winter storm

Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs, and open the outside hose bibs for draining, if possible. Keep them open so any remaining water can expand without breaking the pipe. If you can’t shut off the water from the inside, cover faucets with foam faucet covers.
Protect pipes — during severe cold spells, you may want to leave all faucets, both hot and cold, running at a slight trickle. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate.
Keep your home warm to help protect the pipes — maintain an interior temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you’re sleeping or not at home. Seal any drafts and leave interior doors open to help keep an even temperature from room to room.
If the pipes freeze, call a professional. Frozen water in pipes can cause them to burst, meaning you’ll have a mess on your hands once that water thaws. Act quickly to shut off your main water supply and call in a licensed plumber to assess the situation.
Heating your home with a fireplace can increase the risk of fire. If the power is out, make sure you avoid using candles and don’t let fires burn unattended. If you use a portable generator, follow the instructions, and do not use it indoors.

If you have questions about your insurance coverage, please give us a call today at 503-292-1580. We can help you review your coverage.