It’s never too early to think about safety. If you live in an area where snow is a problem in the wintertime, prepare even in the dog days of summer. By the time the first flake of snow starts falling you can rest easy and know that you’re already covered.

Sidewalk Safety

Struggling to get out of the driveway or even walk down the sidewalk is such a pain after a heavy snowfall. Think ahead of time how you can prevent slips and falls in bad weather conditions by already having a plan of action.

• Did you know that some cleaning services also offer snow shoveling and plowing? Check into services in your area and see what they charge. The only finger you lift may be to dial the phone number!
• If you would rather take care of it yourself, invest in two sturdy snow shovels and enlist the help of a partner so that the task can be done twice as fast.
• Price check buckets of ice melt and sidewalk salt from wholesalers like Costco or websites like Amazon. The price will probably fluctuate on the off-season (for better or worse) so calculate how much you will need for the amount of concrete you have in front of your home.

Home Economics

Readying your house for a harsh winter is an important step. Be sure that it is winter-ready in case of an emergency like a blizzard or a power outage.

• Have your HVAC system serviced well before winter time? This will ensure that the system is clean, functional, and ready for when you need it most.
• Install weather stripping on doors and windows to seal any air leaks. This is handy in all seasons because it keeps your home warm in the winter and fall and cool in the summer and spring.
• If you have an attic or crawlspace above your house, check on the condition of the insulation. If it’s looking worse for the wear, then it should probably be replaced. If there is none at all, install it. The price will vary, and it is not always a cheap job, but it’s one that will benefit for many years.
• If you have a fireplace, use it! Be sure to have it serviced so that it’s safe, and burning firewood is a cheaper alternative to raising the thermostat. Not only that, but fireplaces can heat a surprisingly large area of the home.

Preparing your house for a cold snap can happen at any time of the year. Home maintenance should be done on a never-ending cycle and can save you money and time in the long run.