Happy New Year, and hoping everyone made it through these last few storms. It was chaotic on the coast to say the least. Some of these tips are a result of the recent weather…
Check for storm Damage
After winter storms, your home maintenance routine should include an inspection of your home’s roof, siding, gutters, and yard for wind, snow, rain or ice damage. Instead of climbing on the roof to look for missing shingles, use binoculars to search for damage. Repair or replace any missing siding or shingles prior to the next storm!
Check Batteries in Devices
Winter storms can bring power outages, so it’s a good idea to check batteries and bulbs in flashlights, weather radios, and other emergency gear. Replace batteries in your smoke/ CO detectors and don’t forget to test and inspect the safety devices standing at the ready in your hallways. Ensure that these life-saving devices are functional.
Check Exposed Pipes
Living in a cold climate can wreak havoc on exposed pipes in cold locations in your home, especially in January and February. If you have pipes that are unprotected and are exposed to element, take a moment to add a layer of insulation to these pipes and or spigots to prevent any freezing. You can use foam pipe insulation or pipe heat tape. Take steps to prevent ice dams. Ice dams are areas of built-up ice that can accumulate around your roof line, causing leaks when the backed-up snow behind them begins to melt. Using a roof rake, remove snow after each storm. And, if you notice an ice dam beginning to form (and if you can safely reach the area), break it up now to prevent future damage. It’s much easier and safer to prevent ice dams than to try to remove them.
Review the list of devices connected to your Wi-Fi
To make sure that someone else isn’t using your Wi-Fi and sucking up your precious bandwidth, check the list of devices that are connected to it. For most routers this is as easy as logging into its online dashboard. Make sure to delete any devices you don’t recognize.
Reset the Wi-Fi password
Changing the Wi-Fi password every month may be a hassle, but it is a good way to prevent others from hacking into your network and potentially stealing your personal information.
