You’ve compiled your winter emergency kit—food, water, flashlights, and plenty of blankets. You’ve stocked up on batteries, weather-proofed the windows, and brought your pets inside for the season. Still, when it comes to winter storms, are you doing everything you can to get ready for heavy snow and prevent possible weather damage? Gear up ahead of time with these preparation tips, and reduce winter weather-related problems before they hit.
Prepare For Winter Storms: Tune Up Your Snow Blower
For ultimate convenience this winter, remember to tune up your snow blower and make sure it is in great working order before the first big snowfall. Having your snow blower ready to go will help cut down on any surprise malfunctions when it’s time to clear your driveway (Click here to view our snowblower tune-up checklist).
Prepare For Winter Storms: Use A Good De-Icer On Walkways
When it comes to de-icers, the benefits of professional-grade ice melt greatly outweigh ordinary rock salt. Typically composed of calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, or a combination of these, ice melt lowers the freezing point of water to melt snow and ice at much lower temperatures. Additionally, ice melt is less corrosive than rock salt, making it safer for your driveway, sidewalk, and yard. Less corrosion is also good news for your shoes and carpet, so you can breathe easier when accidentally tracking residual ice melt indoors.
Prepare For Winter Storms: Clean Gutters
Leaf-clogged gutters often cause major problems when combined with winter weather. Left unattended, debris buildup can lead to water overflow, ice dams, and even flooding (outdoors or indoors). Already experiencing some flooding of your own? Try using a water pump to collect standing water from floors or other areas where liquid and debris may have settled.
Prepare For Winter Storms: Trim Overgrown Branches
Winter storms bring extreme winter winds, ice, and heavy snow. When that wind, ice and snow hit, your trees may pose a potential hazard to you and your home. Branches that are close to your house can break off and cause serious damage, leaving you with more than just a damaged tree. To help prevent damage and injury, use a chainsaw to trim overgrown or loose branches before storms pass through (For more information on chainsaw safety and preparation, click here).
Prepare For Winter Storms: Choose A Reliable Generator
Having the right generator on hand can mean the difference between operating your home without interruption or going days without power. Avoid being stuck without lights, charging stations, and appliances by keeping a generator nearby for surprise outages. Not sure which generator is right for you? Click here to find out.
Prepare For Winter Storms: Stock Up On Extra Fuel And Parts
Even the best equipment can’t run without ample fuel and working parts—that’s why it’s important to always have plenty of extra supplies on hand. Keep additional fuel (pre-mixed fuels are great for long-term storage) and essential parts in your garage for convenience, and you’ll be ready for any equipment hiccups that could happen during the season. Note: make sure the fuel you use is no older than 30 days. Old fuel causes problems with starting and operating your outdoor power equipment.
Have tried-and-true winter storm preparation tips of your own? Share your ideas in the comments below!
You May Also Enjoy These Articles:
Winter Chainsaw Safety: 5 Tips For Injury Prevention
Snowblower Safety: 6 Tips For Homeowners
Buyers Guide To Portable Generators
Why Weingartz?
Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to focus exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the “power equipment superstore” that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.
Weingartz also sells parts for all outdoor power equipment at https://weingartz.com/parts-lookup.
Weingartz
11875 Northland Dr.
Cedar Springs, MI 49319
(616) 696-2913
info@weingartz.com
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