Make sure you and your home are prepared,
no matter what this winter season may hold, by following these tips.
Family Preparations
- Add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
- Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
- Sand to improve traction
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
- Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm
- Keep a week’s worth of non-perishable food on hand.
- Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage or near the air intake of your home because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Keep a water supply. Extreme cold can cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes break.
- Bring pets inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
Tips to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes
1. Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature day and night.
2. Run water through the pipes occasionally during the day to help prevent freezing.
3. Wrap uninsulated pipes with foam or self-adhesive insulating tape.
4. Keep doors open between heated and unheated rooms.
5. Make sure you know how to shut off all water valves in the event a frozen pipe burst.
Tips To Prevent Winter Precipitation Issues (Such as Snowmelt)
- Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
- Keep gutters and downspouts free of debris and make sure water is releasing several feet away from the foundation.
- If you have a sump pump, check to make sure it’s working properly.
- Check for cracks or small holes in the foundation through which water can seep. Even a few inches of water from melted snow or freezing rain can cause interior water damage to carpet, drywall, wood floors, and even your home or business’ structure.
ServiceMaster Restoration by Wills is available 24/7/365.
For help mitigating winter weather-related damage to your home or business, contact us!
