How to Winterize Your Home

Winter storms can cause significant damage to your home and property, so it’s important to take the proper precautions to winterize this space before the weather gets too cold. While SERVPRO^® is always available to assist with your cleanup, restoration, and construction needs in the event you are struck by winter storm damage, the following article outlines some helpful tips on how you can winterize your home this winter season to stay as prepared as possible.

Interior Winter Storm Preparation

1. Seal up drafts around windows and doors. Caulking and weatherstripping can help prevent cold air from entering your home.

2. Insulate your attic and walls. Proper insulation can help keep your home warm and reduce energy costs.

3. Install storm windows and doors, which will provide extra protection from wind and rain.

4. Protect your pipes from freezing. Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or heat tape to prevent them from bursting in cold weather.

5. Stock up on emergency supplies. Make sure you have plenty of food, water, and other supplies in case of a winter storm.

Exterior Winter Storm Preparation

To protect your home and property from winter storm damage, it’s also important to take steps for the exterior to prepare for a winter storm before it arrives. Here are a few tips on how to prepare the outside of your home for a winter storm:

1. Inspect and repair your roof. Check for loose shingles and other signs of wear that can cause damage in a winter storm. If the scope of work is more than you can handle, SERVPRO^® can provide roof tarping and board-up services.

2. Trim trees and shrubs. Remove any dead or overhanging branches that could break off during a storm and cause damage.

3. Secure patio furniture and other outdoor items. Move patio furniture, grills, and other items indoors to prevent them from being damaged by high winds or heavy snow.

4. Clear out your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to water damage and other structural problems.

5. Install a generator. If the power goes out during a winter storm, a generator can provide temporary power for lighting, heating, and other essential needs.

6. Have an emergency plan. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do in case of a power outage, flooding, or other emergency.

7. Have a disaster kit ready. Make sure you have a disaster kit with food, water, flashlights, a first aid kit, and other items to help you in case of an emergency.

Winter Storm Resources

In addition to preparing your home for a winter storm, it’s important to have the right resources available in case of an emergency. Here are a few winter storm resources to help you stay safe and informed:

• The National Weather Service provides real-time updates on winter storm warnings and advisories.

• The American Red Cross has resources on emergency preparedness, including how to create an emergency plan and what to include in a disaster kit.

• FEMA has information on how to prepare for winter storms, including how to protect your home from water damage.

• Ready.gov has information on how to prepare for winter storms. Like the American Red Cross, their resources include how to create an emergency plan and what to contain in a disaster kit.

• SERVPRO^® can provide an Emergency Ready Plan so you and your loved ones know the steps to take in the event a severe winter storm strikes. This can include such items as walkie talkies, emergency food supplies, and routes of where to go to stay safe, in the event parties are separated.

Severity of Winter Storms

Winter storms can cause significant damage to your home and property, so it’s important to be aware of the potential severity of these storms. Some of the most destructive winter storms include blizzards, bomb cyclones, and flash freezes. Blizzards are caused by strong winds and low temperatures and can lead to whiteout conditions and large snow drifts. Bomb cyclones are large storms that form rapidly, usually in winter and spring, and can cause flooding, power outages, and severe winds. Flash freezes occur when temperatures drop rapidly, causing water and other liquids to freeze in place.

It’s important to take steps to winterize your home and prepare for winter storms before they arrive. SERVPRO^® is available 24/7 year-round to help with cleanup, restoration, and construction services. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact SERVPRO^® now to help protect your home from winter storm damage.

With over 2000 franchises across the United States and Canada, rest assured there is always a SERVRPO^® nearby. We service 90% of all U.S. zip codes within two hours, and our technicians live in the locations they work. Our local knowledge, national resources, and over 5 decades of experience give us an edge that makes choosing your cleanup and restoration company an easy choice. When you’re struck by winter storm damages, give SERVPRO^® a call, and we’ll be onsite to return your property to preloss condition “Like it never even happened.” ^® If you have additional questions about SERVPRO^® and our services, we have a robust FAQ page available, along with numerous resources to help you quickly find the answers you need.