Prepping Your House for Snow

Go through this easy checklist to prepare your home for snow before the white stuff ever hits the ground.

1. Check your gutters
You've probably already checked them since the leaves started falling but check again. Are they secure? Clean? Connected?

2. Tune up the heating system
If your pilot light was out for the summer or your thermostat isn't working, get your system up and running. It's smarter to take care of this sooner rather than later.

3. Remove screens and install storm windows
This is much easier to do before it gets too cold.

4. Replace worn weather stripping
Check for drafts around doors and windows. Fill any leaks with caulk--the cheapest way to save money on your utility bills and stay warm.

5. Clear your yard
Safeguard anything you don't want getting wet or rusting out. Cover or bring in appliances such as BBQ grills and swingsets.

6. Locate snow clearing equipment
Make sure all shovels and snowblowers are easy to access and in working condition. If the garage door is likely to have a foot of snow in front of it, move the snow supplies to the mudroom or somewhere else within easy reach.