Winter is a beautiful time of year that provides opportunities to stay inside and cozy up with our families. Be sure to take these steps before severe weather strikes to make sure your house is ready for the elements.

Keep Winter Weather Out

Protecting your house from winter weather ensures that your family stays warm and dry. To winterize your home:

• Insulate pipes and water lines along exterior walls so they don’t freeze.
  
  
• Protect your roof by repairing leaks and trimming branches that could fall on it.
  
  
• Add insulation to your attic and walls.
  
  
• Cover windows with plastic sheeting or replace screens with storm windows.

Heat Your Home Safely

Have a professional heating and cooling technician inspect your furnace and vent to make sure everything is working before you run into a problem.

Especially for those over age 65, install an easy-to-read thermostat so you can see whether the indoor temperature is staying steady. Older adults have trouble detecting changes in temperature and may not realize when there is a problem with the furnace.

If you are planning to use your fireplace or woodburning stove this winter, make sure you keep these tips in mind:

• Have someone inspect and clean your chimney and flue. Your local fire department can recommend someone for this task if you can’t find one online.
  
  
• Install battery-operated smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
  
  
• Keep a new fire extinguisher nearby.
  
  
• Make sure all fuel-burning heaters are vented to the outside.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Winter weather can knock out power in your home, so make sure you have an emergency kit on hand.

Your kit should include water and foods that are high in energy (calories) but require no cooking, such as dried fruit and nuts, granola bars and fully cooked canned goods. You should also have:

• Baby supplies including formula and diapers
  
  
• Extra pet food
  
  
• Flashlights and extra batteries
  
  
• First aid supplies
  
  
• Emergency heating sources such as your fireplace, wood stove and space heaters that are clean, ready and fully stocked with fuel

Prevent Slips and Falls

Snow and ice can cause people to slip and fall, so keep your sidewalks and driveways clear. Shoveling snow can be physically strenuous, so follow these tips to stay safe:

• Dress in layers, including a waterproof outer layer.
  
  
• Warm up by stretching your legs, arms and back before starting.
  
  
• Push the snow in front of you.
  
  
• If you need to lift, lift only small amounts at a time and use your legs – not your back.
  
  
• Take frequent rest breaks and stop if you feel short of breath or feel muscle strain.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Ready.gov, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The Staywell Company, LLC