If you’ve ever weathered a Northern Ohio winter storm, you know the hazards it can bring. From heavy snow and freezing rain to dangerously low temperatures and high winds, winter storms can make staying safe, warm, and comfortable quite the challenge, especially if you’re unprepared. Yet by taking a few simple preventive steps, you can minimize the risks associated with harsh winter weather and protect your property, family, and belongings.
Here are 5 tips to prepare your home for a winter storm.
1. Protect Plumbing Pipes
The extreme cold temperatures that can accompany a winter storm can cause the water in your pipes to freeze and burst, leading to water damage, mold, and a host of other costly problems.
- Before frigid temps arrive, disconnect and store hoses, and shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain them.
- Insulate pipes located in unheated areas, such as the attic, basement, crawl spaces, or garage.
- Open cabinet doors around plumbing to let the warmer air from the room circulate around the pipes.
- If temps fall below freezing, turn on bathroom and kitchen faucets to a slow drip. The movement of water helps prevent ice blockages from forming in plumbing pipes. If you experience issues with your plumbing in Aurora, Chagrin Falls, Solon, Twinsburg, or Hudson, it’s best to call a professional.
2. Seal Gaps and Insulate Your Home
Cold air can easily seep into your home through gaps and cracks in doors, windows, and walls.
- Apply weather-stripping around doors and windows to reduce drafts. Use caulk to seal any gaps in your home’s exterior.
- Consider adding extra insulation to your attic or walls to keep the heat in and the cold out.
3. Prepare for Power Outages
Winter storms can cause power outages due to downed trees, power lines, or equipment failures.
- Have a supply of batteries for flashlights, radios, and other essential devices. Consider investing in a battery-powered lantern or headlamps for hands-free lighting.
- Keep a portable phone charger or power bank on hand to ensure your phone remains charged in case of an outage.
- If possible, invest in a backup generator to keep essential appliances like your refrigerator and heater running. Make sure you know how to operate it safely.
4. Clear Walkways and Driveways
Heavy snow and ice can accumulate quickly during a winter storm, creating dangerous conditions outside your home.
- Keep a shovel, snow blower, or ice scraper on hand to clear snow from driveways, sidewalks, and walkways as soon as it is safe to do so. Use rock salt or sand to prevent ice buildup and reduce slipping hazards.
- Install outdoor lighting along walkways and driveways to ensure visibility during nighttime snowstorms.
5. Stock Up on Emergency Supplies
In case of a power outage or other emergency, it’s important to have essential supplies on hand in case you’re cut off from services or need to stay inside for an extended period.
- Store enough bottled water to last for several days, and stock up on canned goods, dry snacks, and other non-perishable foods that don’t require cooking. Make sure you have a manual can opener if needed.
- Ensure that you have an adequate supply of any necessary medications, as you may not be able to get to the pharmacy during a storm. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and other medical supplies.
Preparing your home for a winter storm is essential for keeping your loved ones safe and comfortable when severe weather strikes. But should a winter storm wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing, Norhio Plumbing is here to get things right again. Contact us today or anytime.
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