Safety Tips

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE WINTER

It's important to take the time to properly prepare your home for the colder months. Help keep your home protected and your heating bills manageable by using the following tips to winterize your home:

    • Have your heating system and chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional.

    • Add a second layer of insulation to your attic.

    • Install and/or replace weather stripping on all doors and windows.

    • Install storm windows and doors.

    • Check and clean gutters to help reduce basement flooding.

    • Survey your roof. Replace roof shingles that are damaged or missing and ensure that it can withstand the weight of ice and snow.

    • Trim trees away from your home.

    • Drain and shut off outdoor water faucets. Insulate water pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures.

    • Replace batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. if your smoke detector is 10 years old or older it may not detect smoke. In such a case, you are advised to replace the entire unit.

    • Stock you home with rock salt, sand, and snow shovels