Shutterstock
Winter storms are a huge headache. Not only do you have to contend with the extremely low temperatures, the biting wind chill and the snowfall, but you also could be looking at damage to your home or power outages. Here are some of our top tips on how to prepare your home for a winter storm.
If temperatures get down below 28 degrees for more than four hours, your pipes could freeze over. This is a problem for a number of reasons. Firstly, it means that you will be cut off from running water. Secondly, it means that your pipes could burst as the ice expands in the pipe!
There are a few ways to prevent this from happening. One way is to allow cold water to drip from the faucets, as running water is much more difficult to freeze. Another precaution you could take is to add insulation to exposed pipes, making them less prone to freezing.
One of the most common ways homes lose their heat is through doors and windows that don’t seal properly. If your home has doors or windows with a pronounced draft, make sure you seal them before a major winter storm arrives and runs your power bill way up!
You can find insulation kits at any hardware store, which will help you to better seal your home from the elements. Weather stripping can be used on drafty doors to keep things well sealed, while insulated blinds can be used to make windows that much more resistant to heat radiation.
Take a walk around your home before the storm arrives and look up for any overhanging branches that could be brought down by snowfall and wind. If you see any sagging branches over or near your home, take the time to have them cleared before the rough weather arrives.
Don’t hesitate to call a professional if the task seems dangerous. For instance, if a branch is also hanging over power lines, it’s best to call the power company or local utility workers and let them know so they can come clear the branch for you.
