In the cold winter months, protecting your home can be vital. A frozen pipe could burst and flood your home or basement, an ice dam in your gutter can cause water to seep into the interior walls of your home. Prepping your car is important as well, to ensure your safety throughout this cold and long winter season.

Preparing Your Home for the Winter

To prepare your home for winter, follow these suggestions:

• Clean out all gutters, disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses;
• Insulate walls and attics;
• Check caulking and weather-stripping on doors and windows;
• Repair roof leaks and remove close by tree branches that pose a threat to your home;
• If you have a fireplace, keep the flue closed when not in use;
• Make sure furniture does not block your heating vents; and
• Insulate the attic floor to minimize the amount of heat lost through the ceiling of the house.

Preparing Your Car for the Winter

To prepare your car for the winter, follow these suggestions:

• Top off your car’s antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, oil, and other fluids;
• Make sure that your tires have ample tread – consider snow tires if necessary;
• Keep bagged salt or sand in the trunk for extra traction;
• Clear snow from the top of the car before travelling; and
• Save important phone numbers such as your insurance agent and a towing service into your cellphone.

Approximately 22 percent of car crashes are due to severe weather such as snow, sleet and heavy rain. Preparing your car for these potentially treacherous conditions can be vital to your safety in the winter. Additionally, try to only drive if absolutely necessary; try to travel only during daylight; stay on main roads only and avoid using back road shortcuts.

Preparing for this long and cold winter can mean the difference between having a happy, successful winter or suffering in the cold.