For those of us native to the upper mid-west and Minnesota in particular, home winter weather preparations are an annual necessity to keep our property and family safe and comfortable. If you have just moved to the upper mid-west or are preparing to relocate here, these tips will be especially helpful in preparing your new residence for the onslaught of snow, ice, sleet and rain. As we experience an increasing amount of extremes in winter weather it is more important then ever to have a solid plan in place and the right tools to get the job done.   One of the worst aspects of severe storms is the loss of heat, power and communication systems. And as we saw with hurricane Sandy those conditions can last for days or weeks. Every home should have a well-stocked emergency kit, and a family communication plan

Emergency Kit:

• Obtain and safely store enough alternative heating fuel sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours. Keep a healthy supply of seasoned wood if you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, and keep it DRY! Check out these tips on environmentally friendly and safe heating alternatives and their proper uses.

• Make sure your snow shovels and other snow removal and safety equipment like salt, sand and any de-icing equipment are accessible. If your home is snowed in you will need to dig out, and if your shovels are in a snowed-in shed you will be digging yourself out of your house and your snow shovels out of the shed with a baking sheet pan before you ever get to your walk and driveways.

• Stock up on bottled water and easy to prepare non-perishable food items.

Boil in the bag beans, canned fish and soups are simple, good sources of protein and require little heat to prepare.

• Make sure you have extra blankets and clothing for extended periods with out heat.

You probably have your winter weather gear out but a few extra layers are a good idea especially if you can’t dry weather-wet clothing.

• Check your first aid kit and make sure it is well stocked with supplies that are not expired. A great addition to an emergency kit is a wind up radio they need only elbow grease to power and can keep you informed of the latest conditions in your area.

Tips for around the house:

• Check rain gutters for debris and ice dams as well as insulation and weather-stripping around entryways and windows.

• Bring plants and animals inside where possible or provide shelter outside.

• If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation and wrap pipes in rags.  Completely open all the faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).

Good Stuff Moving has been helping families and businesses with winter re-locations for over 15 years. Our crews are dedicated and knowledgeable about how to protect your property from extreme cold, rain, sleet and snow. We take extra care to keep the weather out while moving you in. Give Good Stuff Moving a call for a free onsite estimate. Are you an expert at home winter weather prepping? Leave some of your best tips below in the comments. Check back for our next post on tips to Spring forward after winter.