Previously, we provided some practical tips on inspecting windows, roofs and gutters “” and making sure they were all in good shape. Why? Because winter is coming!

Being prepared for cold, windy, rainy and snowy weather is important. Prepping your house for bad weather means you will “” hopefully “” avoid water, mold, wind, fire and smoke damage to your home.

Don’t neglect to disconnect
Cold weather could bring trouble to your pipes.

Those beautiful spring, summer and fall days mean you are gardening, watering and taking care of the outside. But winter is a different story. Before the grip of cold weather sets in, take a few minutes to walk around outside the home and disconnect any hoses connected to faucets. If you are able to, turn off the outside faucets from inside the home just in case a pipe were to freeze and break. A broken faucet or pipe means water can flood the interior of your home.

Inspect the HVAC
Easy way to prevent a devastating fire.

It doesn’t cost that much to have a professional heating, ventilation and air conditioning company inspect your heating and cooling system. Be sure to have a company inspect and clean any chimneys you use. A puff-back of smoke is expensive to clean up, and the unthinkable event of a fire can be avoided with preventative maintenance.

Keep them charged
A simple task that will keep your family safe.

Your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are your silent sentinels, diligently protecting your family. Test your detectors monthly and change the batteries, even if they still seem to be working fine, every six months. Perhaps do this when you change the clocks for daylight savings time in the spring and fall.

Prepping your house for bad weather is smart. But if something does happen to your home, be sure to reach out to your disaster restoration pro!