Winter Weather Prep: Simple Steps to Protect Your Home

Very cold weather is expected this weekend. A little preparation can prevent major headaches, from frozen pipes to costly repairs. Taking steps both inside and outside your home can make all the difference. Use the tips below to stay warm, safe, and protected all winter long.

Inside Your Home: Stay Warm and Prevent Damage

Cold temperatures can put a strain on your home’s plumbing, heating, and safety systems. Start indoors with these simple but important steps:

Keep your heat set to at least 65°F.
Even if you’re away, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature helps prevent pipes from freezing, especially in walls and unheated areas.

Know where your main water shutoff is located.
In the event a pipe bursts, knowing how to quickly shut off the water can significantly reduce damage. Take a few minutes now to locate and label it if needed.

Drip faucets during extreme cold.
Letting faucets drip slightly—especially those on exterior walls—helps keep water moving and reduces the risk of frozen pipes.

Check fireplaces, stoves, and heaters.
Ensure all heating sources are working properly and safely. Clear flammable items away from heaters and confirm fireplaces are properly vented.

Open cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
This allows warm air to circulate around pipes, which is especially helpful in colder areas of the home.

Bring pets and plants indoors.
Freezing temperatures can be dangerous for animals and harmful to plants. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.

Outside Your Home: Prepare Before the Freeze

Outdoor preparation is just as important, especially when temperatures drop overnight.

Wrap all exterior pipes.
Insulating exposed pipes helps prevent freezing and cracking. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install.

Keep garage doors closed.
A closed garage helps retain heat and protects any plumbing located inside or nearby.

Check trees for dead or damaged branches.
Cold weather and ice can cause weak branches to break, posing a risk to your home, vehicles, or power lines.

Drain your sprinkler system backflow preventer.
Water left in sprinkler systems can freeze and expand, causing costly damage. Properly draining these systems is a key winter step.

Run your swimming pool pump at night.
Circulating water is less likely to freeze. Running the pump during the coldest hours can help protect your pool equipment.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Cold weather doesn’t have to mean unexpected repairs or emergencies. By taking these proactive steps inside and outside your home, you can protect your property, avoid damage, and enjoy peace of mind all winter long.

Stay warm, stay safe, and be prepared before the temperature drops!