by Mark Miller, Lake Oswego, Oregon Realtor®
With the winter weather settling upon the Pacific Northwest it's time to prepare your home for winter. I posted this list last year but it is worth repeating; besides, I don't think people are searching through my old posts.
This list is not all inclusive, just some of the things I think of as we head into the cold weather.
- Shut off and drain outdoor faucets when you think a hard freeze is coming
- Learn how to turn off water at its source so you can stop leaks immediately if they start
- Take care of known issues with pipes that freeze. Heat tape can be used to keep them warm during extremely cold weather
- Close foundation vents when really cold weather is expected
- Drain garden hoses, roll them up, and store them inside
- Set sprinkler system to "off", turn off water and drain the pipes
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Trim tree limbs that are hanging over or touching the roof
- Cover outdoor furniture or store it inside
- Have chimney inspected and cleaned
- Close fireplace damper when not in use
Emergency Supply List
- Candles, matches (or lighter)
- Flashlight, batteries
- Hand crank or battery operated radio
- Weather radio
- Extra batteries
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Hand operated can opener
- Paper plates, plastic eating utensils
- Paper towels
- Propane or charcoal for outdoor grill
- Extra firewood
- Fuel for generator (keep generator outdoors when in use)
- Snow shovel
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