Winter is coming, whether we're ready or not. Every year, despite all of fall's colorful warning signs, shorter days, and brisk mornings, the first blanket of white always seems to come as an abrupt surprise, dusting all that summer gear you never made it around to storing with regret. This year, no regrets! You're going to clean up, check, and double-check your way to being properly prepared. And here's how you're going to do it.
Put summer in storage:
Complete any necessary winterization on outdoor faucets and pumps. Put away bicycles, skateboards, trampolines, and any other outdoor recreation gear that won't weather plunging temps and precipitation well. Clean out and store your summer planters, moisture in the soil can crack them during the winter. Store your planters along with all gardening supplies and hoses.
Clear vents and gutters:
Make sure attic vents and gutters are clear of leaves and debris to prevent water damage and ice dams. You can easily clear your own vents with a leaf blower or pressure washer, but consider hiring a professional for the best, and safest, gutter cleaning.
Check your chimney:
If you have a fireplace or wood stove, get your chimney or flue inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep prior to a new season of use.
Inspect your windows, doors, and roof:
Caulk any gaps in window and door frames to seal out the chill. Replace old weather stripping (General Rule: if you can see daylight around your door, it needs to be re-stripped). Check your roof for any damaged or missing shingles, as well as issues with the flashing around chimneys and vent stacks. A handyman should be able to handle any minor issues; hire a roofing company for larger repairs.
Test your heat:
Have your heating system, vents, or furnace inspected by a licensed technician every year before the temps start to drop.
Install storm windows:
Storm or thermal-pane windows and even plastic window coverings can help to significantly reduce heat loss.
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors:
Check and/or install smoke detectors near any major heating units and test them monthly. Make a dry-chemical fire extinguisher easily accessible and ensure that your family members know where it is and how to use it.
Weatherize your vehicle:
Check your tire tread and replace any tires that don't pass the "penny test." Consider having snow tires installed if you live in an area with frequent ice and snow. Fill your tires to the recommended pressure to optimize performance. Get your oil changed, if necessary, and check antifreeze levels. Make sure your heater works. Inspect your battery. Create an emergency kit for your car that includes a windshield scraper; hats, gloves, and blankets; first aid supplies; tire chains; a flashlight; water and shelf-stable snack foods; a shovel; an emergency phone charger; flares; and any other items you might need if you become stranded.
For insurance questions, call or contact Litaker Insurance today.