Home Preparation Checklist: Oregon and Washington Snow

Preparing your home for winter weather is about more than just comfort; it’s a vital step in protecting against potential damage and ensuring the safety and well-being of your family.

By taking these precautions, homeowners can protect their property and ensure their comfort and safety during these atypical but potentially severe winter conditions.

How to Do It
Start by cleaning gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage. Inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles, signs of wear, or potential leaks. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris accumulation and ice dams.

When To Call A Professional
If you’re uncomfortable on a ladder or unsure what to look for, hiring a professional for an inspection and any necessary repairs is wise. Clearing your roof and gutters protects your home and prevents issues like water damage and insulation problems

When To Call A Professional
If you notice any trees that need trimming, consider consulting a landscaping contractor for a professional assessment, especially for large trees. Regular tree maintenance protects your property during the winter months and promotes the trees’ overall health. Trimming tree limbs can be dangerous, so please leave this to the professionals.

How to Do It
Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s siding. Look for cracks, holes, loose panels, or any signs of wear and tear. Pay special attention to areas around windows and doors, as these are common points for water intrusion. If you notice any damage, repair or replace the affected areas promptly.

When To Call A Professional
Consider seeking a professional inspection for a comprehensive assessment. Ensuring your siding is in good condition enhances your home’s energy efficiency and protects its structural integrity.

When To Call A Professional
Consider seeking a professional moving company if you have heavy items that require multiple people to move. Additionally, there are many services that can store items for you, which may alleviate some stress of storing summer outdoor decor in your home.

How to Do It
Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them before storing them indoors. If possible, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and cover them with insulated foam covers. This simple step can prevent frozen pipes and costly water damage.

When To Call A Professional
Consider seeking a professional if your hose tends to leak at the faucet, or if you are unsure how to shut it off all the way. Additionally, you should reach out to a professional if you think you have other leaks in your plumbing system.

What Kind Of Salt To Use
When salting your walkways, you should use rock salt if available. Rock salt is the most common deicing salt, with it even being used on the roads. Out of the varieties of salt, rock salt releases the highest amount of sodium chloride when it dissolves, preventing ice.

How to Do It
Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like bottled water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, extra batteries, and blankets. Include a manual can opener, a portable charger for your cell phone, and a list of emergency contacts. Also, consider adding extra clothing, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and any necessary medications.

Preparing an emergency kit ensures you are ready for various scenarios, from a brief power outage to being stranded at home for a few days. Being prepared ensures that you and your family are as comfortable as possible, and can enjoy the rare snowfall.