Most of the country has experienced very mild weather as we move deeper into the winter season.
In fact, as this weekend’s snowstorm headed toward the upper Midwest, many areas of our mainland have been suffering from the lack of the snowfall.
They rely on measureable snowfall, and lots of it, to attract tourists and sportsmen to fuel their economies and fill their reservoirs during the spring melt off.
It’s too early to tell if the worst of winter will pass by our region altogether in 2012, but for the most part, we enjoyed unseasonably mild temperatures through the holidays and into the New Year.
Before long it will be time for Punxsutawney Phil to emerge and forecast what the rest of winter will bring.
Chances are if your home has made it this far into winter without showing any signs of stress, that you may be okay for the rest of the winter.
But, if you failed to winterize your home this past fall, it’s not too late to take a few precautionary steps for that added peace of mind.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare your home and family for the worst of winters:
1. Prepare an emergency kit.
Complete your kit with indoor candles and matches (or lighter) for use during a power outage, record emergency phone numbers for use and access (with or without power), buy a battery back-up for your computer and other sensitive electronic equipment, stock up on bottled water and non-perishable food supplies, and keep your first-aid kit and medicines in an easy-to-access location.
2. Prevent damage resulting from frozen pipes by insulating exposed plumbing, draining and uncoupling water hoses from outside faucets, and locating your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
If you go on vacation, leave the heat on and set it to at least 55 degrees.
Also, make sure you leave cabinet doors open under sinks located on outside walls so heat can more easily access the area.
3. Inspect your smoke alarms, especially in every sleeping room, and make sure the batteries are charged.
Install a carbon monoxide detector near a gas furnace, hot water heater or fireplace.
Test them periodically to make sure they work.
Finally, make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your home and know who to use it.
Home fires are more common during periods of extreme cold than at any other time of the year.
4. Have your furnace inspected by a qualified professional.
Stock up on cold air return filters and change them as required, which is monthly in most cases.
Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat to cut down on utility expense and increase your comfort level in the home.
Be overly cautious if you rely on space heaters to warm certain areas of your home.
5. Consider installing a generator as a back-up power source if you have a serious health condition or want to protect refrigerator or freezer food from loss during extended power loss.
If you have already completed your list or winter prep, maybe you know an older neighbor or family friend who could benefit from a little extra help making their home safer this winter.
Ann Hoke leads the award-winning team at Ann Hoke & Associates (affiliated with Keller Williams Realty). For more information or comments, contact her at 397-4024 or ann@annhoke.com. |
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