How To Prepare Your Home For a Winter Storm

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Preparing Your Home Before the Storm Hits

Winter can be a beautiful time of year, but it can also be unpredictable. Ice storms are one such example of a weather phenomenon that can cause damage to homes and disrupt services for days at a time. If you're planning on staying put during an ice storm or if you live in an area prone to these types of storms, here are some tips for preparing your home before the storm hits:

Inspect Your Roof

• Inspect your roof. Check for any loose shingles or tiles and look for any damage to the roof. Look at gutters, chimneys and other structural parts of the house that could be affected by ice accumulation.

• Check around the outside perimeter of your home for signs of leaks that may indicate water seeping in through cracks in windows or doors as well as around pipes and wires entering from outside walls; this could cause serious damage if left unchecked during an ice storm -- especially if it's not just rain but freezing rain!

Protect Your Pipes

If you are expecting an ice storm, it is important to protect your pipes.

Wrap exposed pipes in insulation. If a pipe is exposed and not insulated, wrap it with a towel or blanket—but don't use plastic as that can cause the pipe to crack and leak.

If you have leaking indoor plumbing due to freezing conditions outside your home—or if you're worried about potential leaks—use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels down inside your house so that there will be less humidity available .

Install Storm Windows and Doors for Heavy Storm Events

Storm windows and doors are an easy way to protect your home from the elements. If you have older wooden storm doors that aren't weather tight, consider replacing them with newer ones. Make sure your kitchen and bathroom windows are also installed with storm windows. Storm windows should be slightly smaller than the window they are covering so that they fit snugly into place. Use caulk or plastic to seal any gaps between the two pieces of glass before inserting them into the opening of each window frame.

If you don’t have a storm door in your home, you can still install temporary protection by purchasing heavy plastic sheeting at a hardware store. Use duct tape along all seams on both sides of this sheeting to seal it against windy conditions while still allowing some light through while keeping out moisture during rainstorms and other inclement weather conditions

Prepare to Reconnect Utilities

If you have lost power and need to reconnect it, be sure to bring the right tools with you. If your home has been without power for more than a day, you may need a special device known as an electric line heater (found at hardware stores or online). You will also need to know how to use this tool properly so that it does not become damaged by the cold temperatures.

If at all possible, do not try to reconnect utilities on your own if you are not qualified. Seek professional help if needed.

As you can see, there are a number of simple steps that you can take to prepare your home for an winter storm. By following these tips, you will be better able to avoid the potential dangers associated with this type of weather event.