Sutherland's is dedicated to ensuring our customers are well-prepared when severe weather hits. It's crucial to consider what actions to take in case of emergencies, such as power outages, and the preventive measures you can implement to minimize damage to your property. Here are some steps to help protect your home and ensure your safety during a winter storm:
Safeguard Your Plumbing:
Older plumbing systems are more vulnerable to freezing temperatures. In contrast, some newer homes may feature frost-proof designs where the valve is located further inside. To enhance protection, it is advisable to use a faucet cover. For the interior of your home, consider the following steps:
- Insulate any exposed pipes, especially those in basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
- Allow faucets to drip slightly during extremely cold weather.
- Familiarize yourself with shutting off your home’s main water valve in the event of a burst pipe.
Seal Out Cold Air: Often, there may be insufficient time to adequately insulate your home and retain heat while blocking out the cold at a moment's notice. Now is the perfect time to winterize your home.
- Inspect doors and windows for drafts; use weatherstripping or draft stoppers as necessary.
- Close fireplace dampers when they are not in use.
- Seal visible cracks with caulk to minimize heat loss and reduce ice buildup
Here is an overview on where to air seal your home.
Source: Department of Energy
Prepare for Power Outages: Mother Nature sometimes has the upper hand. Here’s a friendly reminder from Sutherlands on what essentials to have on hand when your home experiences a power outage:
- Stock up on flashlights, batteries, and portable phone chargers.
- If you have a generator, make sure it’s tested and always remember to operate it outdoors.
- Keep extra blankets and warm clothing easily accessible.
Check Heating & Safety Systems: Maintenance is crucial for ensuring total preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather. Here is a checklist you should regularly:
- Service your furnace or heating system before the storm arrives.
- Replace HVAC filters to keep the system running efficiently.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as this is particularly important when using heaters or fireplaces.
Prevent Ice & Roof Damage: It's essential to practice this recommended home maintenance, particularly when the weather is pleasant.
- Inspect and repair your Roof: Regularly check your roof for any signs of damage or wear. Replace missing or damaged shingles, and seal any leaks to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage during winter storms.
- Clear gutters to ensure proper drainage of melting snow.
- Trim tree branches that are close to your home to prevent breakage caused by ice or snow.
Last but certainly not least, ensure your outdoor animals are protected from the elements. Providing extra hay can offer additional insulation. Sutherland's offers a range of heat lamps to help keep them safe and warm.
The last thing you want is to struggle with slipping and sliding while managing outdoor tasks. It's vital to have the right tools on hand for snow removal, including ice melt, a snow shovel, or a snow blower. At Sutherlands, we are dedicated to taking these crucial steps to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones.
- Snow shovels
- Snow blower
- Ice Melt
- Generator
- Portable heater
- Wood and pellet burning stoves
- Weatherstripping
- Faucet cover
- Window insulation
- Furnace filter
- Water
- Firewood
- Fire starter
- Pellet fuel
- Hay
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Winter clothing
- Chain saw
- Pruner
- Gutter cleaner
