Depending on your location, it’s likely that you’ll encounter at least one bout of winter weather before the arrival of spring. Whether facing a freeze or snow, it’s essential to prepare adequately to ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and your residence.

Ready Your Home’s Exterior

Before the winter weather begins, prepare the outside of your home for potential snow and freezing temperatures.

• Protect bushes and plants during freezing temperatures, utilizing covers or household items like old sheets, blankets, towels, cardboard, or tarps.
• Disconnect and drain water hoses, ensuring they are disconnected from your home.
• Empty flowerpots, storing them without soil to prevent freezing-induced cracks.
• Have sand/ice melt/kitty litter on standby for hazardous walking conditions.
• Secure any loose patio furniture with proper covering.
• Clean and store your barbecue grill or smoker, or cover them if indoor storage is not feasible.
• Drain water features to prevent damage due to freezing.
• Cover exposed outdoor pipes for insulation during freezing temperatures.

Prepare Your Vehicle

While staying home during winter weather is the safest choice, we understand that it’s not always possible. When driving in wintry conditions is unavoidable, take precautions to stay safe.

• Maintain a full gas tank for potential evacuations or travel during winter weather.
• Keep an emergency kit in your car with essentials such as extra blankets, coats, gloves, food, water, a first aid kit, flashlight, flare gun, ice scraper, and a charged power bank for your phone.
• Be ready to jump-start your car by having jumper cables or a portable car jump starter on hand.
• Consider investing in winter tires or snow chains for areas with frequent ice and snow.

Ready Your Home’s Interior

Whether you plan to ride out the winter storm at home or not, take important steps to prevent damage to your property.

• Stock up on essential supplies like a first aid kit, food, water, flashlights, candles, batteries, firewood, and extra blankets and warm clothing.
• Replace batteries in your fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector in advance.
• Use portable space heaters cautiously, ensuring they are in good working order and never left unattended.
• Avoid using outdoor heaters indoors, as they can produce carbon monoxide.
• Take steps to prevent burst pipes, such as opening cabinets under sinks, leaving faucets dripping, and bringing pets indoors.

We hope that these tips help you and your family have a safe, warm, and enjoyable holiday season! Contact William Douglas today to learn more about our top-rated HOA management services or to receive a free quote for your HOA community.