Prepping your home and vehicle for winter is about more than filling up the heating oil tank and throwing on a pair of snow tires. To make sure you’ve covered all your bases, check out the tips below:
At Home:
• Have your heating system cleaned and given a once-over before it starts its busy season.
• Bleed radiators if necessary.
• Make sure all clutter and decorations are off heat sources to prevent a fire hazard.
• Weather strip doors and seal around windows to prevent cold air from creeping in.
• Switch screens to glass-based options if you have them on hand.
• Clean debris (especially fallen leaves) from your gutters.
• Stock up on ice melt and make sure you have a good shovel.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• If you leave for vacation, make sure to keep your home heated to 55 degrees or higher to avoid frozen pipes.
• Prepare an emergency kit: include candles and lighters, bottled water, non-perishable food (including pet food), a first aid kit and blankets.
Your Vehicle:
• Check your tire tread and pressure.
• Replace your windshield wipers if necessary.
• Make sure your windshield washer fluid is full and you have extra in the trunk.
• If it’s time, get a quality oil change.
• Make sure your belts and hoses, batter and 4-wheel drive system (if you have one) are all in proper working order.
• Test your battery’s ability to hold a charge.
• Make sure your antifreeze is filled.
• Carry an emergency kit, including: blanket, warm clothing, gloves, jacket, boots, extra water and non-perishable food items, first aid kit, ice scraper, kitty litter, flashlight, jumper cables, flares, spare tire, tire changing tools.