Winter is coming! Are you prepared? It’s important to be aware of how the cold weather months can affect where you live. Neglecting to weatherize specific areas of your house can lead to serious (and costly) damages to your home.
If you don’t reside in an apartment community that assists in winterizing your home and the surrounding area (like at Eastwood Village in Detroit and CitySide in St. Louis), it is especially important to educate yourself on the effects of cold weather.
Go into the winter armed with these eight tips and tools for a secure and problem-free season:
- In case of an unexpected snowstorm or power outage, be sure to stock up your home with basic supplies such as water, non-perishables and batteries.
- Keeping a shovel/snowblower and ice at your home will help keep your walkways and driveways safe and clear.
- Check your home for any drafty windows or doorways and treat as necessary with sealers.
- If possible, program your thermostat to stay at lower temperatures when you know you will not be at home.
- Change your furnace filter to extend its life and potentially save on utility bills.
- Check for any potentially dangerous tree trunks and limbs, or unsteady structures nearby. Winter winds, snow and ice can cause these to be extra unstable this time of year.
- Opt for energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs in order to save money on your utility bills.
- If you are traveling for the holidays, let a trusted neighbor, family member or friend know to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity surrounding your home while you are away
How do you prepare your home for the cold winter months? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!