Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather
This Tailgate Talk is part of the NLTAPA collection.
For many of us, winter means cold winds, frost, sub-zero temperatures, ice and snow. Severe winter weather can cause deterioration or even substantial damage to your house resulting in costly repairs. This section highlights examples of safety precautions you can consider to help prepare yourself, others and your personal property for a winter freeze. Please recognize that a particular precaution may not be appropriate or effective in every circumstance. We encourage you to use your own good judgment about what’s appropriate.
General Home Winter Preparation Checklist
Insulate walls and attic.
Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to cut down on wind drafts.
Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic film from the inside.
Detach all gardening hoses and shut-off water supply to outside faucets.
Install faucet covers to all external faucets.
Tag the location of your main water valve and make sure you can easily turn it on and off.
Remove snow build-up on your roof to avoid ice and snow damage to the roof or interior of the home.
Follow ice dam prevention tips to minimize ice dam formation on your roof.
If you have a thermostat that uses a battery, be sure to replace it regularly.
During power failures, disconnect your electrical appliances to avoid damage from power surges which can occur once the power is restored.
Follow precautionary steps; safeguard against your water pipes freezing.
Follow home winter safety tips to protect yourself and others on your property.
Keep connecting garage doors closed to help eliminate drafts.
HOT QUESTIONS ON COLD WEATHER FACTS
Whether you're going to work, running errands or preparing kids for school, knowing the answers to the following questions can help make a difference on how prepared you and your family are when venturing outdoors.
What is a WINTER STORM WATCH?
When severe winter weather threatens your area, a Winter Storm Watch is generally given. If you plan to be outdoors for a long time period or plan to travel, be sure to keep an eye out for changing weather conditions.
Winter Prep for your Car!
Prepare your car
According to the Department of Transportation, 22% of all vehicle crashes in the U.S. – and 16% of the fatalities – are due to severe weather such as rain, snow, sleet and ice.1 So, prepare your car for treacherous conditions and extremely cold temperatures – and know what to do if you find yourself stranded in a vehicle. When the temperatures start to drop:
- Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, travel during the day.
- Don’t travel alone. Keep others informed of your schedule.
- Stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
- Top off antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, gas, oil and other fluids.
- Make sure your tires have enough tread. Consider snow tires.
- Keep bagged salt or sand in the trunk for extra traction and to melt ice.
- Clear snow from the top of the car, headlights and windows.
- Save the numbers for your auto club, insurance agent and towing service into your cell phone.
- Keep a cold-weather kit in your trunk to include: a blanket or sleeping bag, gloves, non-perishable snacks like nuts, bottled water, folding shovel, first aid kit, flashlight, flare and cell phone charger. Complete list of car kit essentials.
If you’re trapped in a vehicle
- Remain inside. Rescuers are more likely to find you there.
- Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes every hour. Clear any snow from the exhaust pipe to reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Move around to maintain heat.
- Use maps, floor mats and seat covers for insulation.
- Take turns sleeping. Someone should always be awake to alert rescuers.
- Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Turn on the inside light at night so rescue crews can find you.
- If you’re stranded in a remote area, stomp out the words "SOS" or "HELP" in the snow.
