How to Prepare Your Home for a Winter Storm

With winter in full swing, you’ll need to prepare for severe and potentially damaging storms. Freezing temperatures and high winds can strip away your home and even cause the power to go out.

Your home may also suffer various forms of damage depending on the severity of the storm. By following a few of these safety measures, you’ll be able to protect your home and family from the damaging effects of severe winter storms.

Have an Emergency Kit Ready

Disaster can strike at any time, so you’ll need a plan for emergency situations. Fill a bag full of blackout necessities such as flashlights, a first-aid kit, canned foods, water, warm clothing, and blankets. You should also have a trusted restoration company in mind to call for 24/7 emergency restoration services.

Properly Insulate Your Home

Once you realize your home is in need of new insulation, don’t procrastinate. Insulation will play a major role in protecting your home and your family during a severe winter storm. Insulation traps heat inside your home, so your family stays warm even when it is below zero outside.

With proper insulation, you save money because it is less expensive to heat your home and because your family is less likely to get sick. Without appropriate insulation on all levels of your home—wall, floor, roof, crawl space/basement—heat will travel outside your home through gaps.

Heat naturally travels to where it is cold but also upwards. The roof is the most important place to insulate, then your walls and basement. Ideally, you should have all areas of your home insulated, especially if you live in the Midwest or where there is frequent cold weather.

Prep Your Windows

One of the worst things that can happen during a winter storm is your windows breaking or cracking. Prior to winter, you should take the time to professionally restore or repair any broken windows to maximize your home’s security and efficiency.

With perfectly conditioned or newly-replaced windows, heat will not travel outside, and you won’t have to worry about snow piling in your home. Also, don’t forget to caulk your windows if you notice it is especially cold around them.

Repair Any Damaged Siding

Your home’s siding is one of the first layers of protection during a severe winter storm. If you’ve noticed your siding has started to crack, chip, and deteriorate from past wear and tear, schedule a siding repair service as soon as possible. Durable siding will keep you safe during a blizzard.

Prepare for Fire Hazards

During a freezing winter storm, you’ll need to rely heavily on your furnace and fireplace to provide you with warmth. While using these tools will provide you with comfort, you’ll need to stay ahead of any forces that could result in a fire.

Cleaning your furnace and air ducts and moving flammable items away from the radiator and fireplace will help you avoid house fires. You should also have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies. If you find yourself facing fire damage, contact Restoration Network for fast and effective cleanup and repair services.

Get Your Chimney Inspected

If your home has a chimney, it should be inspected at least annually, ideally before the winter starts. It is crucial to have your chimney inspected in case you lose power during a winter storm to have a backup heat source. Winter fires are more common than any other season, and the worst thing that can happen is having your house catch fire during a storm.

Purchase a Battery-Powered Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

You can never be too safe during a winter storm. Learn if your furnace, appliances, fireplace, space heat, stove, or electrical system is acting up before it is too late by purchasing and installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout key areas of your home. Every room in your home should have a smoke detector, and every floor should have a carbon monoxide detector.

Have a fire extinguisher in an accessible location in case the alarm starts ringing. Don’t forget to test your detectors every month and replace the batteries whenever necessary.

Repair Roof Damage

You’ll need a sturdy roof to keep your home safe during a winter storm. Cracks, holes, and leaks will put your home at risk of further damage. If your roof is in need of professional repair, make sure you schedule a service prior to the winter months.

Prepare an Evacuation Plan

When a winter storm causes pipes to burst or a fire to develop, you’ll need an evacuation plan ready. Your plan should include methods for safely leaving the house, turning off appliances, collecting pets, and staying together. When you’re in need of flood or fire restoration services, be sure to contact a team such as the one at Restoration Network to protect your home from further damage.

Contact Restoration Network for Storm Repair Services

It’s no secret that winter storms can wreak havoc on Minnesota homes, but by taking necessary safety precautions and preparation steps, you’ll be able to stay ahead of permanent forms of damage.

From general contracting to flood and fire damage restoration, we have the tools and experience necessary to keep your home secure and protected. We’ll provide you with top-quality customer service so you can feel confident in every aspect of your restoration service. To get started with a free inspection, contact Restoration Network today at 612-564-0202.