Outdoor Preparations

• 1). Walk around the home and examine all of the windows from the outside. Make sure that all of the storm windows are intact. Replace any broken or cracked glass. Check all of the caulking and seals around the glass to make sure there are no gaps.
  
  
• 2). Look the entire window casing over. If any of the storm window frames look like they are loose or pulling away from the house, either tighten them by adding more screws into the framework, or run a bead of caulking sealer around them.
  
  
• 3). Close any foundation vents that allow air to get under your home. While you are at it, check the entire foundation for any cracks that might allow air to creep in. This is a common issue in older homes, and many people forget to keep an eye on this.
  
  
• 4). Go up on the roof. Check the vent pipes for your furnace, water heater or any others that are up there. Make sure they are in good shape and show no signs of leaking or pulling loose from the roof. If they do, fix them or get them repaired by someone who knows how.
  
  
• 5). Glance over the shingles on your roof. Check out any problem spots like loose shingles or waves in the roof line. If you notice anything, it may be wise to have a roofer look it over before the snow comes.
  
  

Inside Preparations

• 1). Run your hand, or a lit candle, around all of the windows and outside doors of your home. Do this on a breezy day to help feel the drafts. The candle flame will flicker in the breeze to let you know there is air coming in. Windows may need to be caulked, or the frame itself may need sealer around it.
  
  
• 2). Check to see how tight your entry doors close. Look closely all the way around the door. If you can see any daylight through the door and the door framing, you should add weatherstripping around the edge of the door.
  
  
• 3). Hire a heating and cooling company to perform a thorough inspection of your furnace and duct work. You don’t want any surprises when it’s 30 degrees F outside. Have the technician clean the unit and evaluate its efficiency. Older furnaces will cost more to operate.
  
  
• 4). Prepare a large plastic container for a winter kit. Fill this container with flashlights, batteries of various sizes, candles and lighters. Do not let anyone remove anything once it is there, but let family members know where to find these things in case of an emergency power outage.
  
  
• 5). Gather up all of the extra blankets that are around the house. Wash them all and place them in a centrally located, easy-to-access closet. If there seems to be a shortage of warm blankets, purchase enough to allow at least 2 blankets per family member. These can be lifesaving in a severe snowstorm with a power outage.
  
  
• 6). Start filling a large plastic storage tote with non-perishable foods. Ready-to-eat canned meats, crackers, canned fruits, nuts and cookies are just a few items that work well. Add in a manual can opener and some paper plates. It’s easy to “rob” from your winter food kit, but don’t allow it. This food will be appreciated in a bad winter storm and no power. Place this container in the closet with your blankets and winter kit.
  
  
• 7). Buy a radio that runs on batteries. Make sure that it has a weather band on it. Add the radio to your growing winter survival closet. Consider hanging the battery-operated touch lights in this closet, so you’ll be able to find these things when you need them.