Is snow on the horizon? Take some time now to gather the supplies you will need to keep your home safe. Once you have taken the appropriate precautions, you can focus on enjoying the winter wonderland outside your window.
- Ensure you have a snow digging tool and ice liquefy to protect walkways from slipping.
- Check that you have sufficient heating fuel for your home and fuel for your generator, if you have one.
- If you will be using a fireplace or wood-burning stove, you should have a good supply of dry, seasoned wood.
- Have comfortable apparel and covers close by, and stock durable food things and essential meds to last you and your family for a few days.
Paint, caulk and seal exterior wood
All of the wood trim on the exterior of your home needs to be protected from the elements. The wood used on your deck is typically a pressure-treated or rot-resistant species of wood. The wooden stair treads need anti-slip strips to protect you from slipping especially in snow and ice.
GripStrips provide safer footing and may help prevent slips and falls. They are tough, long lasting, re-usable and GripStrips are resistant to weather, pressure washing, shovelling and even salting – no peeling or ripping!
Each GripStrip is pre-punched and slotted, there is no drilling required. Wood naturally swells with moisture and contracts as it dries, the slots are designed to accommodate this expansion. Even though your deck is made of treated or rot-resistant wood, it still needs protection. You don’t need to stain and seal your deck every year but check it to make sure it’s protected. To do this, simply pour some water on it. If the water beads up, then you’re good. If the wood absorbs the water, it’s time to clean and seal your deck.
IF YOU ARE UNDER A WINTER STORM WARNING, FIND SHELTER RIGHT AWAY
- Stay off roads.
- Stay indoors and dress warmly.
- If you need to spend time in a public indoor space in order to stay safe from the cold, follow CDC precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19: wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least six feet between yourself and those who are not a part of your household. Masks should not be worn by children under two years of age, those who have trouble breathing, and those who are unable to remove them on their own.
- Prepare for power outages.
- Use generators outside only and away from windows.
- Listen for emergency information and alerts.
- Look for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
- Check on neighbors while following the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on maintaining social and physical distancing. Consider connecting with family and friends by telephone, e-mail, text messages, video chat, and social media.