Winterize Your homeWhen it comes to keeping your home and family warm this winter, the staff at we have compiled a checklist for you or your “handyman” to consider in preparation of winter weather alert emergencies.
- Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
- Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
- Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
- Install a smoke detector and test batteries monthly.
Also make sure to check your heating systems.
- Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly and ventilated to the outside.
- Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
- Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergency by installing a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check those batteries regularly.
- Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, nausea, and disorientation. Keep grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement and garage. Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house. Leave your home immediately if the CO detector sounds and call 911
You can be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages by preparing these items:
- Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged.
- Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.
- When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions.
- Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including, battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, weather radio, with a lamp, extra batteries, first-aid kit and extra medicine, baby items, cat litter or sand for icy walkways.
Some other things you can do to make sure your travels are safe during icy and snowy conditions. Make sure your car is tuned up!
- Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level; check your tire tread or, if necessary, replace tires with all-weather or snow tires.
- Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer.
- Keep gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
- Prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your car in case you become stranded. Include blankets, food and water, tire pump, a bag of sand or cat litter (for traction), compass, booster cables, flares, and maps, flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries, first-aid kit and plastic bags (for sanitation).
We hope these ideas help you prepare for the winter weather. Your friends at Expert Heating and Cooling want you and your family to stay safe and warm this winter season!