Living in New England, the winter months do not waste any time bringing the cold weather. We are already half way through December and the chilly air is certainly here. As we continue deeper into the winter, it is crucial that you prepare your house for the colder months that are coming, to prevent any damages that could occur. Below, we have put together some tasks that you should work on, before our next big storm!
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Clean the Fireplace / Order Firewood –
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One of the best parts of this time of year is getting to cozy up by the fire while watching a movie or reading a book. However, you must remember to schedule a time for someone to come and clean your fireplace. If you do not take care of this once a year, you run the risk of a chimney fire and a large amount of smoke. With that being said, once you have your fireplace cleaned for the season, be sure to order your firewood so that you can enjoy the warmth all season long!
Winter Gear Swap –
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It is definitely no easy task trying to find space in your home for everyone’s winter gear. Swapping out your summer accessories for the ones you need in winter can help eliminate some of the clutter and prepare you for the colder days. So, clear out those drawers that are holding your sunglasses and swap them out for gloves! Ideally, find a spot near the door for storage to make it easy to grab what you need on your way out.
Test Smoke Detectors / Carbon Monoxide –
This is something that is easy to forget about but is one of the most important. Because of the lack of outside air coming inside during these months, the risk for carbon monoxide rises. Make sure that all of your detectors are up to date with working batteries.
Check your generator / Purchase One –
We all know how it goes, we get the storms that hit just bad enough that we lose power. It gets cold, dark and uncomfortable. Avoid that this year with a generator. If you already have one, make sure you check into it to confirm that it is working correctly. If you do not have one yet, perhaps look into the options and see if you find it beneficial to purchase one.
Overall Outdoor Preparation –
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Make sure that you prepare your yard for the winter weather. Trim the branches on the trees that are close to your house, that way when there is a storm, you do not risk the damage of them falling on your home. You will also want to disconnect your hose from the outdoor water valve. This prevents your pipes from freezing. In addition to the house, make sure to drain your sprinkler system so that your irrigations lines do not freeze.
Be sure to stay safe this winter and do everything you can to prepare yourself and your home for the colder months!
