Winter storms can cause significant damage to your home and property, so it’s important to take the proper precautions to winterize your house before the weather gets too cold.
Winterizing isn’t just about staying warm. It’s about protecting your home from what Mother Nature throws at it—while saving a little money on your energy bills.
Interior Winter Storm Preparation
1. Seal up drafts around windows and doors. Caulking and weatherstripping can help prevent cold air from entering your home.
2. Insulate your attic and walls. Proper insulation can help keep your home warm and reduce energy costs.
3. Install storm windows and doors, which will provide extra protection from wind and rain.
4. Protect your pipes from freezing. Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or heat tape to prevent them from bursting in cold weather.
5. Stock up on emergency supplies. Make sure you have plenty of food, water, and other supplies in case of a winter storm.
Exterior Winter Storm Preparation
To protect your home and property from winter storm damage, it’s also important to take steps for the exterior to prepare for a winter storm before it arrives. Here are a few tips on how to prepare the outside of your home for a winter storm:To protect your home and property from winter storm damage, it’s also important to take steps for the exterior to prepare for a winter storm before it arrives. Here are a few tips on how to prepare the outside of your home for a winter storm:
1. Inspect and repair your roof. Check for loose shingles and other signs of wear that can cause damage in a winter storm. If the scope of work is more than you can handle, SERVPRO® can provide roof tarping and board-up services.
2. Trim trees and shrubs. Remove any dead or overhanging branches that could break off during a storm and cause damage.
3. Secure patio furniture and other outdoor items. Move patio furniture, grills, and other items indoors to prevent them from being damaged by high winds or heavy snow.
4. Clear out your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to water damage and other structural problems.
5. Install a generator. If the power goes out during a winter storm, a generator can provide temporary power for lighting, heating, and other essential needs.
6. Have an emergency plan. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do in case of a power outage, flooding, or other emergency.
7. Have a disaster kit ready. Make sure you have a disaster kit with food, water, flashlights, a first aid kit, and other items to help you in case of an emergency.
Winter Storm Resources
In addition to preparing your home for a winter storm, it’s important to have the right resources available in case of an emergency. Here are a few winter storm resources to help you stay safe and informed:
• The National Weather Service provides real-time updates on winter storm warnings and advisories.
• The American Red Cross has resources on emergency preparedness, including how to create an emergency plan and what to include in a disaster kit.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has information on how to prepare for winter storms, including how to protect your home from water damage.
• Ready.gov has information on how to prepare for winter storms. Like the American Red Cross, their resources include how to create an emergency plan and what to contain in a disaster kit.
• SERVPRO® can provide an Emergency Ready Plan so you and your loved ones know the steps to take in the event a severe winter storm strikes.
Severity of Winter Storms
Winter storms can cause significant damage to your home and property, so it’s important to be aware of the potential severity of these storms. Some of the most destructive winter storms include:
- Blizzards.
- Bomb cyclones
- Flash freezes.
Blizzards are caused by strong winds and low temperatures and can lead to whiteout conditions and large snow drifts. Bomb cyclones are large storms that form rapidly, usually in winter and spring, and can cause flooding, power outages, and severe winds. Flash freezes occur when temperatures drop rapidly, causing water and other liquids to freeze in place.
(H2) SERVPRO is Here to Help®
Winterizing your home is an important part of managing your property and keeping your family safe and warm.
If you need help with cleanup and construction after winter storm damage, the professionals at SERVPRO are ready to return your home or business to its original condition, “Like it never even happened.” We also offer services like water damage cleanup, mold remediation, and air duct cleaning.
Contact us to learn more, or visit our FAQ and Glossary.