Winter is snow joke. Snow, sleet, ice... there are plenty of winter perils to prepare for. Follow these simple steps and protect your home from the damage cold weather events can cause:

1.) Energy Efficient Improvements

The very same steps you need to take to keep your heating costs down can also be viewed as protective for your home's structure and systems. These steps include:

Have a professional service provider inspect prepare your A/C, water, fuel, cent and other systems and pipes for the season
Consider replacing normal doors and windows with storm-proof products
Have your furnace serviced and change your filters
Evaluate your home for drafts and leaks. These are most common in attics, crawl spaces and basements

2.) Prevent Flooding - Roof and Drainage Updates

Clear all gutters of leaves and debris before the first snowfall.
Remove snow from the roof after heavy accumulation
If your roof is sloped, place ice melt products on ice dams for safe, easy removal
Make sure drain pipes point away from your home to prevent flooding. Also be sure your irrigation system and lawn have been winterized

3.) Protect Your Plumbing - Prevent Bursts

Wrap exposed pipes and plumbing with insulation. Heat tape can be used to protect outside pipes; or those inside the home in non heated areas
Keep values and taps open to keep water moving. This prevents freezing and expansion, which causes cracks and damage
If the temperature is below freezing, keep your sinks dripping
When you leave your home, keep the temperature set warm enough to prevent freezing of any kind

You can read more from the original article here.

Stay safe and warm this winter season!