BOISE, Idaho — As winter weather creeps closer in the Inland Northwest and across the nation, AAA shares tips on how to protect yourself and your home through proper winterization prep.
"A clogged gutter, wayward tree limb, frozen pipe, or leaky roof can be a very expensive proposition," said AAA Idaho Public Affairs Director Matthew Conde. "Avoiding an insurance claim or a pricey repair will make life a lot simpler this winter."
AAA says to follow the following guidelines to winterize your home:
Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris to allow water to flow freely and minimize ice buildup.
Trim back tree branches hanging over your house.
Insulate exposed pipes and seal cracks in outside walls. In extreme cases, keep cabinets on exterior walls open and allow a slow trickle of water to flow through pipes.
Use faucet and vent covers on the exterior of your home.
Ensure that caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows is in good shape.
Have the following on hand: a flashlight with extra batteries, a portable radio, extra medicine, baby items, pet supplies, a first aid kit, heating fuel, plenty of food and water and a fire extinguisher.
Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
AAA also recommends that people should take the necessary precautions regarding how they choose to heat their homes during the winter.
"Be very careful how you heat your home," Conde said. "Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned if necessary, and always use space heaters as recommended by the manufacturer, including adequate ventilation as needed."
