Protecting Your Home in a Snowstorm: Your Home Safety Checklist

In Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe, winter snowstorms are inevitable. If you are new to the area, and a major snowstorm is headed your way, you are probably wondering what you can do to protect your home. While it is impossible to completely safeguard your property against the elements, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage. Here’s your wintertime checklist to help protect your home in a snowstorm.

Before the storm:

• Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze, which can damage your roof.
• Bring outdoor furniture inside or secure it so that it does not blow away or become damaged.
• Disconnect any hoses from outside faucets to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Additionally, it’s good to know where your main water shut-off valve is located in case you need to turn it off quickly.
• Check for any cracks or holes in your exterior walls and seal them up to prevent cold air from coming inside.
• Add insulation to your attic and crawl spaces to help keep your home warm.
• If possible, park your car in a garage or sheltered area to avoid damage from falling ice and tree limbs.
• Make sure you have enough food, water, and flashlights to last through the storm in case roads are unable to be cleared or power is lost.

During the storm:

• Close all curtains and blinds to keep the warm air in
• Monitor the roof, doors and windows for leaks.
• Monitor your pipes for freezing, and if necessary, turn on the faucet to let water drip slowly.
• If you have a fireplace, make sure the flue is open to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
• Keep your home warm to prevent pipes from freezing. If you are going to be away from home, leave the heat on and set it to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep your devices charged in case you need to use them for emergency communications.
• Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled residents, to make sure they are okay.

After the storm:

• Clear your sidewalks and driveway. To keep them clear and to avoid slippery ice, use salt or sand.
• Remove snow from your roof to avoid roof damage. This can include carefully knocking off icicles and large clumps that can be seen and accessed from the ground.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your home and keep your family safe during a snowstorm. If you have any questions about winterizing your home, or if you need help with emergency repairs, our team of experts at Tahoe Brothers are here to help. Stay safe and warm out there!