February in Wisconsin and how to be ready

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Winterize Your Home

Winter storms can range from a brief period of extreme cold temperatures, to days of snow, blowing wind and white-out conditions. Preparing in advance helps you tackle winter weather before it even begins. Two of the biggest safety issues as the winter season approaches is knowing how to deal with power outages in cold weather and understanding how to drive (or when not to drive) in snowy conditions. 

Get Your Home Winter Ready

• 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
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing; Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing
• All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts)
• Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out