Winter Weather is Right Around the Corner

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Winter Is Coming

   It won’t be long before the leaves fall off the tree’s, the temperatures start to drop, and we have our very first snowfall here in Wood County WV. Your friends here at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie, and Pleasants Counties want to make sure you and your family are prepared for the freezing temperatures and the storms that come along with the winter season.

• Cut and Cover. Winter prep starts before the first snowflake falls. Make sure to cut all overhanging tree limbs and old limbs that could break off in the middle of a storm. Also, cover outdoor faucets to protect them from freezing.
• Seal and Caulk. Its time to get those windows and doors sealed tight. New weather-stripping can help fix many draft issues, especially if your old weather-stripping is wearing down. Also, small cracks can be caulked to help prevent moisture damage. 
• Wrap Exposed Pipes. Temperatures can drop drastically and quickly during a winter storm. That can be bad news for pipes that are exposed and unprotected below or around your house. Especially if they are exposed to low temperatures outside. This could lead to frozen pipes and water damage.  If it’s going to get extremely cold, you can wrap exposed pipes around the house in insulation to help protect them. Make sure to leave sink cabinets open to the warm air and turning faucets on a cold "drip." This can also prevent freezing pipes during winter storms.
• Plan a Second Method of Heating. Electricity goes out more often than not when a winter storm hits.  Most furnaces require electricity. That means you need either a generator that can feed your home enough power to run your large heating appliances or another source of heating that doesn't need electricity. Example: a wood stove, wood fireplace.
• Buy Heating Fuel If Necessary. Make sure you have enough firewood if that is your alternate heat source. Or you may want to call your propane company to get an early refill to be prepared.  

• Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Homes tend to stay closed up during the winter. It’s important to make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have new batteries. This step can save your life, make sure you heck your detectors so you’re prepared!

• Stock Up on Salt. When the ice or snow storm passes, you will want a way to melt the ice that forms on your driveways, sidewalks and patios.

• Know where your Home Owners Insurance Documents are. You may not need them, but its important to check on your homeowner’s insurance documents and make sure you can get to them. That way if your home does end up with damage in a storm, you’ll know what is covered, and you’ll be make a claim as soon as possible. 

   Following these steps to prepare for a winter storm can keep your home and your family safe. It's the most wonderful time of the year, be sure to stay warm and stay safe!