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Essential Tips for Preparing Your Home for the Fall and Winter

Essential Tips for Preparing Your Home for the Fall and Winter


Depending on where you live, you’re familiar with different weather situations. However, in recent years, more people have been experiencing extreme weather events leading to horrific damage and financial loss. In some cases, planning can prevent property damage and loss. Disaster preparedness can help with planning steps to take when property damage occurs. Having a plan helps you and your family stay safe. When preparing for fall and winter weather, the following details are things to consider.

Tips for Preparing Your Home

Preparing your home can include doing tasks yourself or getting assistance from a professional. Check your home’s weatherproofing. Insulate exposed pipes to reduce water freezing. Add weatherstripping and/or caulk to windows and doors. Install storm windows or insulate your windows with weather plastic. Repair roof damage like missing shingles and leaks from lousy summer weather. If you have a chimney, inspect it, especially if you plan to use it as an emergency heat source.

Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. If you don’t have either, now is the time to purchase them. Both types of detectors are essential for fall and winter if you have a fireplace or furnace or need to use candles if you lose electricity. You should have proper ventilation for your fireplace. Have your furnace checked to ensure its operating properly to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Tips for Preparing Your Vehicle

Avoid traveling when the weather is expected to become a problem. If you must travel, ensure your vehicle can help you do so safely. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case your car breaks down. Keep extra batteries and a portable charger for your cell phone. Keep items such as blankets and a spare coat to keep you warm. Keep winter weather gear such as a shovel, windshield scraper, and a weather radio. Keep an extra flashlight and batteries. Have rope, tow chains, tire chains, and jumper cables on hand if you live where snow persists. For emergency tire repair, have a can of compressed air. Have a bag of kitty litter or rock salt on hand to use on your tires for traction in ice or snow. Keep a road map handy and emergency distress signal, including a flag or flares.

You should also consider vehicle maintenance. Get your oil changed and consider winter tires if you live where winter weather persists. Make an appointment for a vehicle service check to ensure things such as brakes, exhaust, heater, and defroster are working properly. Check your radiator antifreeze levels and add more antifreeze if needed. Replace windshield wipers and check washer fluid. Keep an eye on your tire pressure and replace worn tires. Prevent ice buildup in your tank and fuel lines by keeping your gas tank full or almost full.

What to Consider Before Disaster Strikes

Heed any winter weather watches and warnings. When they are issued for your area, take time to make last minute preparations. Check your supplies for food, water, medicine, or anything of concern of you and your family. Bring pets indoors or make arrangements for them to be at a safe place if you can’t bring them inside. Ensure your mobile device is charged in case of a power outage.

Frequently Asked Questions


Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes. Check your policy details for specific coverage.

Yes, a broken water heater can lead to a high electric bill. If it's not heating water efficiently, a broken water heater may consume more energy and increase your utility bill.

Yes, if you have a broken water heater, it can potentially lead to carbon monoxide leaks. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, call us for an emergency response.

How can carbon monoxide come from a water heater?

While minor leaks can be fixed with DIY methods, it's advisable to consult a professional restoration company, like Accutech Restoration & Remodeling, for significant damage to ensure proper repair and prevent future issues.

Yes, mold can grow under tiles if there is constant moisture or water damage.

Yes, water can seep through grout lines if they are cracked or improperly sealed. You may contact us for help with water leaks and bathroom floor water damage.

Yes, Accutech Restoration & Remodeling offers expert guidance through the entire insurance claim process. Our team will assist you through the process to ensure you receive fair compensation for the damage. When Accutech technicians arrive on-site at your home or business, we will conduct a thorough inspection to assess the extent of the damage.

We document the damage with a plethora of photographic and videographic evidence and create detailed reports outlining the damage, what needs to be done, and the estimated cost. Our team will handle all communication with your insurance company, reducing the headache and hassle of you being the middleman. We'll submit all documentation, invoices, and payments directly to your insurer, ensuring everything aligns with your policy coverage. Accutech is here to advocate on your behalf if any disputes or discrepancies arise during the claim process.

In some cases, your insurance policy may not cover the damage, and our team will help you understand what is and is not covered, along with providing you with the steps you should take next.

Yes, we can remove mold from carpets affected by water damage. We use specialized cleaning techniques to prevent health risks.

Yes, we work with all major insurance companies and assist you throughout the claims process.

Homeowners' insurance typically covers water damage caused by a water heater leak or broken water heater, but it may not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the heater itself. You may contact us for help navigating your insurance claim.

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