Weatherize Your Home for Winter

Taking a few steps to prepare your home for cold weather now can keep you warm and save you money in the months ahead.

AIR LEAKS

Check for air leakage around windows and doors, especially near water pipes. Use caulk, insulating foam, or weather stripping to seal any cracks.

FURNACE

Replace old and dirty furnace filters, usually once per month or based upon your furnace and the instructions on your filter. Consider having a professional check your furnace to ensure it is ready for winter.

WATER AND DRAIN PIPES

Insulate water pipes that may be vulnerable to cold air drafts with wrap that contains fiberglass or other known insulating materials. If outdoor temperatures fall below 10 degrees, you might leave a thin stream of water running from the tap furthest from your water meter. Cover your meter with a blanket or rug to protect it and open cabinet doors under sinks to help circulate warm air near pipes. Always keep your home’s temperature above 55 degrees, even if you are not home for an extended period.

Don't forget outdoor pipes and lawn sprinkler systems. If possible, turn off the water supply to outdoor fixtures and blow compressed air through sprinkler lines to prevent freezing and pipe bursts. Protect outdoor faucets/hose bibs by disconnecting any hoses and storing them indoors during the winter.

GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

Extra debris in your gutters can create ice dams that prevent drainage and damage your home. Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris before heading into winter.

FIRE PREVENTION

Make sure there is a fire extinguisher on each floor and in your garage. This is a great time to re-check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years and carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every 5 years.

THAW WITH CARE

Be prepared with a winter shovel and any de-icer you may need now so you're ready when winter hits. When snow and ice melt, the water runs off into our rivers and streams. De-icers can affect the quality of water for wildlife and even cause pavement, sidewalk, and foundation deterioration. Choose environmentally friendly de-icing products and follow the instructions so you use only as much as you need. A little goes a long way — applying more salt won't make the ice melt faster. Remove any resulting slush to prevent refreezing.

Love it or hate it, winter is coming. Snow, ice, drizzle, and freezing temperatures spell dangerous driving conditions, and we want all our residents to stay safe this winter season. Hone up on your defensive driving skills by reviewing these important safety tips:

• Exercise caution during snow events, especially in residential neighborhoods or side streets.

• Reduce your speeds and drive for the conditions.

• Use caution in turns.

• Avoid sudden movements.

• Accelerate and brake carefully and slowly.

• Leave more room between vehicles — give yourself plenty of room to slide to a halt if necessary.

• Don’t follow plows too closely — please give our drivers plenty of room to maneuver their truck and blade as they fight winter weather.