Don’t be fooled by those few last warm days of autumn.  The weather is fast changing and winter is nearing.  This means we need to prepare our homes for the cold, ice and snow.  I created a bit of a checklist and found that I am not as prepared as I would like to be for the next few months of harsh weather.  Here are some quick reminders based upon my research:
 
Get inspected: Make sure all the heating units in the house are in working order.  Each year, for example, I need to have my antifreeze checked to make sure my pipes won’t freeze.  The last thing any homeowner wants is to come to the conclusion that their heaters don’t work in the middle of winter’s cold snap. And when was the last time your roof was inspected? No homeowner wants to find out their roof needs holes plugged or shingles replaced after the snow has come.  Also, be sure to have your fireplace and chimney checked regularly.  Whether you are using your fireplace for emergency heating or just ambiance, you don’t want smoke backing up into your home.  Which reminds me …

Check your safety devices: It is easy to forget them when the sun is shining, the windows are open or the air conditioning is on but make sure you check your smoke detectors and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector from time to time. If you don’t yet have these devices, buy and install them now.  And be sure to test them monthly, and replace batteries twice a year.  While you are out buying new batteries…

Buy supplies before you need them: Do not wait for that first big storm that drops inches of snow on your driveway and house.  You do not want to be trapped in your house because you cannot get your car out of the garage.  You also don’t want to find that the supplies you need cost more money or cannot be found anywhere in the dead of winter.  Be sure to have rock salt or driveway heat pellets to melt ice on walkways, sand to improve traction and snow shovels, ice scrappers and other snow removal equipment. And of course, it is time to take down the winter clothing. Make sure you still fit into your hats and coats and that you have some throw blankets for when you are sitting around the TV.  If you are intrepid enough to go outside, be sure to…

Stock your car: Make sure you have snow tires or chains on your car and check the antifreeze.  Be sure you have an ice scrapper as well.  Store extra first aide items in your car and add blankets and non-perishable food items, just in case.  And just in case you need to…

Prepare for severe storms and possible isolation in your home:  You will want to have more emergency supplies on hand like a store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.  You will also want flashlights, candles and batteries for any loss of electricity.   Also, make sure you have a manual can opener.  It is funny how inconvenient electric kitchen conveniences are when you have no electricity.  And keep the cell-phones charged and find that battery operated radio that you have hidden in a closet somewhere.  Before winter hits…

Bring items indoors: If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure that they have access to unfrozen water. Cover or bring indoors any plants that you want to protect from freezing temperatures.  Speaking of the outdoors…

Insulate your pipes: Disconnect your garden hoses and store them for the winter so you avoid remnant water turning to ice that can expand and splits the hose. 
And check those water lines that may run up in an attic or along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze. Shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts. To insulate inside, you need to…

Weatherize your home: Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Add insulation to your walls and attic, if necessary. Consider purchasing insulated doors and storm windows to further protect your home from the cold. This will also help lower your heating bill.  You don’t need to heat your garage but you do want to…

Organize your garage: A home with a garage can be a more important asset in the winter.  It offers important extra storage space and homeowners should spend some time reorganizing the garage to maximize this space. In most areas of the country, winter typically brings along snow and harsh weather. Garages should make room for the family cars that may have enjoyed the outdoors during the summer.  This likely means moving bicycles and lawn equipment around to make room for the cars and for shovels and maybe that snow blower that helps you clear the driveway.  And whether you are home or out…

Remember fire safety: Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions. Make sure any space heaters have been tested according to the latest safety standards. Keep the heaters away from anything flammable and bedding, drapes and furniture. And never leave a space heater on when you leave the house or when you go to sleep.

So, don’t put off winterizing your home.  Be the one who prepares their home now before winter and the snowstorms hit and try to stay sympathetic when you hear your neighbor’s winter horror stories.