Winter Weather Checklist for Families

Home Preparation:

1. Inspect Heating System:
   • Schedule a professional inspection for your furnace or heat pump.
   • Replace or clean filters if it has been more than 6 months.
2. Check Insulation:
   • Ensure proper insulation around water pipes.
   • Seal any gaps and cracks in windows and doors.
3. Prepare Chimney and Fireplace:
   • Have your chimney cleaned and inspected.
   • Stock up on firewood or alternative heating supplies.
4. Inspect Roof and Gutters:
   • Clean gutters to prevent ice dams.
5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
   • Replace batteries and test all detectors.
6. Stock Emergency Supplies:
   • Flashlights and extra batteries.
   • Non-perishable food and bottled water (enough for at least 3 days).
   • First aid kit and necessary medications.
   • Warm clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags.
   • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
   • Extra pet food and supplies, if applicable.
7. Prepare a Winter Car Kit:
   • Ice scraper and snow brush.
   • Jumper cables and tire chains.
   • Blankets, warm clothes, and snacks.
   • Small shovel and kitty litter or sand for traction.
   • Emergency flares or reflectors.

Safety Measures:

1. Create a Family Emergency Plan:
   • Establish a meeting place and communication plan.
2. Know How to Shut Off Utilities:
   • Learn how to shut off water, gas, and electricity in case of an emergency.
3. Protect Pipes from Freezing:
   • Insulate exposed pipes.
   • Allow faucets to drip during extreme cold.
   • Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
4. Plan for Power Outages:
   • Have a backup heating source like a generator or portable heater (ensure proper ventilation).
   • Charge all electronic devices and have backup power banks.

Winter Weather Checklist for Businesses

Business Preparation:

1. Inspect Heating System:
   • Schedule a professional inspection for your HVAC system.
   • Replace or clean filters.
2. Check Insulation:
   • Ensure proper insulation in the building, especially around pipes.
   • Seal any gaps and cracks in windows and doors.
3. Maintain Roof and Gutters:
   • Inspect and repair any damage to the roof.
   • Clean gutters to prevent ice dams.
4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
   • Replace batteries and test all detectors.
5. Stock Emergency Supplies:
   • Flashlights and extra batteries.
   • Non-perishable food and bottled water.
   • First aid kit and necessary medications.
   • Warm clothing and blankets.
   • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
   • Snow and ice removal supplies (shovels, salt, sand).

Business Continuity:

1. Create an Emergency Response Plan:
   • Develop and communicate a plan for employees in case of severe weather.
   • Establish a communication tree for updates and instructions.
2. Backup Important Data:
   • Ensure all critical business data is backed up and accessible remotely.
   • Test remote access systems for employees to work from home if needed.
3. Review Insurance Coverage:
   • Confirm that your business insurance covers winter weather-related damages.
4. Prepare for Power Outages:
   • Have a backup power source like a generator (ensure proper installation and ventilation).
   • Keep electronic devices charged and have backup power banks.