Winterizing Your Home – Part 2

Winterizing your home can take the better part of a weekend but it is well worth the effort once winter arrives. 6 – Check your foundation and rake away all debris and vegetation from the foundation. Seal up any entry points to keep critters from crawling under the house, a mouse can slip through space as thin as a dime. Secure crawlspace entrances. 7 – Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A carbon monoxide detector should be installed near your furnace/hot water heater.  If you already have them in place, replace batteries and make sure they are in proper working order. 8 – To prevent plumbing freezes, insulate any exposed plumbing pipes. If you go on vacation, leave the heat set on at  least 55 degrees. 9 – Prepare landscaping by trimming branches that are too close to the house or electric wires. Seal driveways, patios and wood decks. 10 – Prepare an emergency kit. Have plenty of candles and matches. Post all emergency phone numbers in a convenient location. Buy a battery back-up to protect your valuable electronics. Store extra non perishable food supplies and water (pet food if you have a pet) in a dry easy access location.  Know where blankets and a first- aid kit are.  One last thing; prepare and practice an emergency evacuation plan in the event of an emergency.