Freezing temperatures are no joke and winter preparedness will help get you and your home ready. Whether you’re in an area accustomed to freezing or you have those one or two freezing days, it’s always important to be proactive. Here’s a quick list of things you can do to be prepared for the cold temperatures and what to do in case of an emergency. 

• If your furnace goes out, now is the time to use your additional heating unit such as a fireplace or stove to warm the room. 
• Stock up on additional heating fuel and be sure to learn the best storing methods to prevent combustion.
• Keep additional electric heaters or a generator nearby.
• Dress in layers to help retain body heat.
• Stay in one heated room to maximize heat, especially if you have a wood burning stove or wood burning insert. Check out how to Zone Heat here. 
• Keep a stock of emergency supplies if you are in an area subject to high levels of snow such as canned goods, gallons of water, and energizing snacks. 
• Let your faucets drip to keep water moving within the pipes, especially if you are in an area that is not use to freezing temperatures
• Remember to stock up on food for your furry friends as well
• Close your fireplace damper (if you have one) when your wood-burning fireplace unit is not in use to prevent a cold draft
• Keep an emergency kit in your car in case you have to drive.
  • Sand or kitty litter 
  • Flashlight
  • Energizing snacks and water
  • Additional warm clothing and/or blankets
  • Snow shovel
  • Ice scraper 
  • First Aid Kit

It’s easy to lose sight of weather changes in your area when your holiday to-do list is so busy. Winter preparedness is the best way to plan for the weather ahead of time. Check out weather.gov to check weather conditions in your area. This will help keep you from having an emergency you can’t handle.