Checklist: Cold Weather Survival Tips

The best way to get through cold weather is to be prepared for it. Follow this cold weather survival checklist to ensure you have all the necessities to keep you and your home safe during the most bitter of winters.

For your house:
Close cut-off valves to and open all exterior faucets. For pipes prone to freezing, leave nearby faucet dripping on coldest nights. Bring in all outside hoses.
Be prepared with back-up heat sources such as firewood or space heaters.
Don't use kerosene heaters in an enclosed space.
Don't heat up the car in the garage with the garage door closed.
Make sure your chimney damper is closed when not in use.
Make sure you have snowmelt and a snow shovel on hand.
Check that all storm windows and windows are closed and latched.
Make sure that attic insulation does not cover eave or soffit vents.
Close curtains at night to help insulate windows.
Minimize use of kitchen and bath exhaust fans.