- Seal windows and doors with weather stripping and caulk cracks to keep out the cold air.
- Have the chimney cleaned or sealed off if it is not being used.
- Call a local professional to service the furnace and make sure to change filters at least twice per year.
- Make sure all smoke and house alarms have new and working batteries if not hardwired.
- Set up a winter mudroom inside the front door to prevent tracking in snow and or salt, creating dangerous, slippery areas. Keep gloves, hats, scarfs in the same general location so your loved one can easily find them.
- Keep extra blankets handy for additional warmth in the event of a power outage.
- Make sure there is a battery radio with extra working batteries.
- Stock the pantry! Crackers, trail mix, canned soup, fish and fruit, protein bars, bottled water are always good to have on hand in the event of a winter power outage.
- Contract a local snow removal company to ensure your loved ones walkway, sidewalk and driveway are kept clear and clean to prevent slips and falls.
- Clean out those closets! It’s important to dress in layers during the winter months as the cold fluctuates. Help by putting away late summer/fall clothing and organizing simple winter wardrobe selections as not to make winter dressing overwhelming.
- Turn off any exterior water valves. To avoid possible expensive damage and frozen pipes, make sure the valves are turned off and drained.
- Clean out the gutters from fall foliage to prevent build up.
At Alert Best Nursing & Home Care, we are here to help. Please give us a call if we can be of any assistance getting you or your loved one's home winter ready.