Stay Safe & Warm: Your Winter Home Readiness Guide

Preparing Your Home For Winter Now to Ensure Safety, Efficiency, & Comfort

Here are top tips to help you prepare for dropping temperatures, along with a few ways to stay safe during a temporary interruption in electric services.

Inspect Your Heating System

• Have your heating system professionally serviced.
• Replace air filters regularly, every 30 days or once a month.
• Ensure vents and radiators are unblocked for efficient heat distribution.
• When using an alternative heat source like space heaters, follow operating instructions and ventilate properly.
• If your home heating system generates heat by burning fuel, verify the system is sealed and not allowing carbon monoxide and other harmful combustion byproducts to enter your home.

Maintain Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Regularly test detectors to ensure proper functioning.

Increase Home Energy Efficiency

• Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk.
• Place a draft block at the bottom of doors.
• Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to circulate warm air.
• Lower your thermostat a few degrees to save on heating costs.

Prepare Your Home’s Exterior

• Inspect the wiring and equipment for heat tape on pipes and gutters, heat lamps for animals, and stock tank heaters.
• Trim trees and bushes away from the house to prevent damage from heavy snow.
• Contact your co-op to trim trees near power lines.
• Store electric appliance batteries in areas with minimal cold temperature extremes and fluctuations.

Stock Emergency Supplies

• Have enough nonperishable food, water, and medical supplies for 72 hours in case of power outages or severe weather.
• Store one gallon of water per person per day.
• Make an emergency kit that includes: first-aid, flashlights and batteries, warm clothing, blankets, phone chargers and backup charger sources.
• Gather important documents, such as medical records.
• Don’t forget your pets! Ensure you have enough supplies for them as well.

Use Generators Safely

• Always follow operating instructions.
• Move fuel-powered generators at least 20 feet away from the home.
• Keep the generators dry if wet outside by placing it on a tarp.
• Position it under a portable canopy and never a carport.
• Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet.

For more information on keeping your family safe during and after a winter storm, visit our outages and safety page.