Getting Your Ohio Home Ready for the Next Big Snow Storm

Tips to Get Your Home Ready for an Ohio Winter

Winter has only just begun here in Northeast Ohio, and already we've had to deal with our fair share of ice and snow. The next time winter weather threatens, our REALTORS® want to make sure your home is ready for it. Here's how to make sure you and your home are ready for the next big snow storm.

1.  Stock Up

The arrival of winter means that you may need winter tools and supplies at a moment's notice. Make sure your home has plenty of rock salt or an alternative deicer to melt ice on walkways, along with sand for traction, snow shovels, and ice scrapers.

2.  Know the Terms

Part of being prepared for severe weather is paying close attention to weather forecasts, and it's important to understand the distinction between the many terms you may hear. In particular, be sure to know the difference between a "winter storm watch" and a "winter storm warning."

• A Winter Storm Watch means that the conditions exist for a winter storm to develop. A watch is typically issued 12 to 48 hours before the onset of a winter storm and indicates that you should prepare for heavy snow and/or significant icing.
• A Winter Storm Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when severe weather is expected to occur in your area. This may include any combination of heavy snowfall, sleet, freezing rain, or blowing and drifting snow.

3.  Make an Emergency Kit

An emergency preparedness kit is something every household should have in case a severe storm either forces you to leave your home or prevents you from doing so. Your kit should include a stockpile of non-perishable food and clean drinking water, first-aid supplies, a battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries, and any medications you may need. The American Red Cross provides a wealth of additional information about putting together an emergency preparedness kit.

4.  Prepare for Isolation

In the event of a severe winter storm, your home may be cut off from the outside world by power outages, and by heavy snowfall that makes traveling dangerous. To prepare for this, make sure you have sufficient fuel on hand to keep your home warm, including fuel for any backup or standby generator you may use for emergency power. Keep extra blankets and warm clothing in your emergency preparedness kit. Have a fire extinguisher handy, and make sure everyone in your household knows how to use it.

5.  Batten Down the Hatches

Before the arrival of winter weather, it's important to make sure your house is structurally capable of keeping you and your family safe and warm. This includes installing storm windows, sealing drafts with caulk or weather stripping, making sure walls and attics are thoroughly insulated, and having your furnace inspected to make sure it runs properly. Keep your gutters clear to prevent freezing rain from forming ice dams, and trim trees to remove dangerous limbs that may fall when they become laden with ice. Insulate exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing, and make sure everyone in your household knows the location of the main water shutoff valve in case a pipe bursts.

At Haring Realty, we're committed to not only offering the best Mansfield homes for sale but also helping you maintain and enjoy your new home for years to come. That means being prepared for all kinds of winter weather. Contact us today to learn more about finding your dream home in Mansfield, Ohio.