Home Winterization Checklist

 

 

• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.

• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.

• Insulate any water lines that run along outer walls, with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. (water will be less likely to freeze).

• Service snow-removal equipment.

• Have chimney and flue inspected.

• Install easy-to-read outdoor thermometer.

• Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.

• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment.

• Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.

• 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.

• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).

• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.

• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

• Resupply your First Aid Kit

• Check all home Fire Extinguishers

• Water stored in clean containers, or purchased bottled water (5 gallons per person) in case your water pipes freeze and rupture.

• If your area is prone to long periods of cold temperatures, or if your home is isolated, stock additional amounts of food, water, and medicine.

• Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. During the storm, fuel deliver will not be able to get to you.

• Have safe emergency heating equipment available.

• Fireplace with ample supply of wood

• Small, well-vented, wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel

• Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters

• Install and check smoke detectors / carbon monoxide detectors.

• Check alternate cooking equipment

 

• Rock salt to melt ice on walkways but can damage vegetation and concrete.

• Sand or to improve traction

• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

• Keep food supplies up to a 30-day level. Food that doesn't require heating or refrigeration, such as canned meats, soups and stews, cereal, and energy bars

• Remember baby food, formula and diapers if you have young children.

• A warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots for each member of the family.

• Paper plates, cups and plastic utensils

• 1 gallon of water per person per day (allow enough for 30 days)

• Flashlights and batteries

• Solar / hand crank NOAA am/fm radio

• Solar powered clock.

• Cellular phone

• 21 to 30-day supply of prescription medicines

• Blanket and cold-weather clothing for each family member

• Pet food and additional water for household pets

• Extra blankets and extra warm clothing.

• Non-clumping kitty litter. Kitty litter will generate temporary traction.

• Install snow fences in rural areas to reduce drifting in roads and paths, which could block access to homes, barns, and animals’ feed and water.

• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.

• Matches

• flashlight or battery-powered lantern.

• battery-powered clock or watch

• non-electric can opener