• EACH WINTER HAVE A SAFETY TALK WITH YOUR CHILDREN. Make sure your kids play in safe areas. Caution them to stay away from areas where snow sheds from the roof. Sledding is fun but it is unsafe when the sled run empties into the street. Dress warm.
• GET TO KNOW YOUR PLUMBING. Each year a few people find themselves without water because of frozen water pipes. Prevent this by draining your pipes and by keeping the heat on, at a level where pipes won’t freeze, even when you are away. Although you cannot always predict the wrath of winter, there are a few things you can do to avoid frozen pipes.
• DRAIN YOUR PIPES. If you are planning to be away from your home for a length of time, it could be a good idea to drain your pipes to prevent them from freezing.
• KNOW WHERE THE PIPES AND WATER SHUT-OFF ARE LOCATED. If your pipes do freeze, time is of the essence. The quicker you shut the water off, the less internal damage you will have if the pipes do burst.
• INSULATE PIPES OR FAUCETS IN UNHEATED AREAS. If you have pipes in an unheated garage, attic or crawl space, wrap the pipes before temperatures plummet. Heat tape may also be applied to the pipes.
• SEAL OFF ACCESS DOORS, AIR VENTS, CRAWL SPACE VENTS AND CRACKS. Don’t let the wind whistle through overlooked openings. This cold air can quickly freeze exposed water pipes.
• OUTDOOR PIPES AND FAUCETS. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
• NECESSARY HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE. Considering the large sum of money that is invested in a home, it is certainly worth it to keep it in tip top shape!
• MAKE SURE STEPS AND HANDRAILS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE. Broken stairs and railings can become dangerous when covered with snow and ice.
• SWEEP DECKS AND REMOVE ANY LOOSE NAILS OR SCREWS. Remove loose nails or screws and replace with new ones. This will save you a lot of headaches when you can smoothly run your shovel across your deck!
• TRIM TREES AND REMOVE OLD BRANCHES. Ice, snow and wind can cause weak trees or branches to break, damaging your home or your car or even injuring someone walking on your property.
• PUT YOUR SUMMER TOYS IN STORAGE. Winter can sneak up unexpectedly. Make sure you have your deck furniture, bikes, etc. put way before they get covered with snow.
• PREVENT SNOW DAMAGE TO DECKS AND RAILINGS. Some home designs facilitate snow accumulation and damage where we do not want it! If snow shedding from your roof could possible break windows-protect them with coverings.
• IS YOUR FURNACE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER? In addition to keeping your pipes from freezing, winter also puts demands on personal comfort.
• FURNACE CHECK-UP. Ensure that the thermostat and pilot lights are working properly. The pilot light should be blue. Replace the filters in your furnace each fall.
• HAVE YOUR HEATING DUCTS BEEN CLEANED? This is recommended every 5 years. Why pay a higher heating bill if you don’t have to?
• CHECK CAULKING AROUND DOORS AND WINDOWS TO MAKE SURE YOUR WARM AIR ISN’T GETTING OUT AND VICE VERSA! Cracked and peeling caulking should be removed completely and the area cleaned & dried thoroughly. Then apply new caulking.
• SWEEP THE CHIMNEY. Call a reputable Chimney Sweep to inspect your chimney and flue and to remove any creosote that has accumulated.
• LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW! Keep snow and ice from building up around the bottom of the garage door so it closes completely.
• HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS. Make sure you are prepared for winter with plenty of good shovels. They need to be sturdy enough that they don’t break yet not too heavy! If you have a snow blower, make sure it is in good repair when the first storm hits.
• SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES WILL KEEP YOUR DRIVEWAY PLOWED DURING THE WINTER. Snow removal is a great convenience when you arrive later at night. Remember, you cannot park in the streets during the winter. To help facilitate timely plowing, find out which plow service has the most contracts in your neighborhood.
• A FEW WORDS OF CAUTION… Purchase smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for every floor of your house. These should be replaced every three to five years depending on the model. Replace batteries in your alarms at least once a year.

ENJOY YOUR WINTER SEASON!

(This list may not be complete and is to be used mainly as a checklist.)