Winterize!
◼ Consider having your furnace
professionally cleaned and tuned annually. Replace furnace filters monthly, if needed.
◼ Repair any leaks in the most common drafty areas: recessed lighting, window and door frames and electrical outlets.
◼ Feeling drafty? Check the attic to make sure you see 10-14 inches of insulation.
◼ Allow winter’s rain and melting snow to properly drain by removing leaves and other debris from your gutters.
PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER
◼ Make sure you have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor and in the garage. Check the pressure monthly.
◼ If you haven't checked the operation of your home’s smoke detectors, now is a great time to do so. Check the batteries, too!
◼ Invest in a carbon-monoxide detector; every home should have at least one.
◼ Drain and store garden hoses, and add insulation to spigots to prevent freezing. Know how to shut off the water in case pipes burst.
◼ Cover or store patio furniture. ◼ When it snows, monitor your trees for ◼ Clean out dryer venting and secure snow load. Even a light snowfall can weigh branches down enough to cause damage to your home. Carefully shake the branches daily if it looks like the snow will stick around.
the area, as well as any other outside access points around the perimeter of your home to prevent critters (likely more aggressive during winter) from entering your home.
◼ Use extensions to your downspouts to ◼ If you have a generator, make sure it’s divert water so that it runs 3 to 4 feet from your foundation. Check your crawlspace for flooding after the first long rainfall.
◼ Check your heating ducts and clean out any abundant dust, animal hair and other debris that can gather and cause respiratory issues.
◼ Reverse your ceiling fans to force warm air downward, keeping your home more comfortable. As you look up, blades should be turning clockwise during winter months.
◼ Hang extra window treatments or insulated curtains to keep your home warm. On sunny days use the sun to help warm up.
been serviced and that it’s ready to work if the power goes out.
◼ In the event your heating system fails, know where your space heaters are located so you can warm individual rooms until you can get repairs made.
◼ Arrange ahead of time with a handyman or neighborhood kid to have your driveway and sidewalk cleared in case of snow.
◼ Don’t wait to purchase ice-melt products, cold weather and emergency supplies. Avoid the rush and long lines by purchasing ahead of time.
◼ Lastly, winterizing your home includes stocking up the pantry in case you’re not able to get out during a storm.
Winter
Check your tire tread; replace tires if needed. Make sure windshield wipers are in good condition.
Have your battery tested if you’ve had it for more than 4 years. Keep emergency supplies in your car including: road flares, spare tire and jack, jumper cables, tire chains, blankets, gloves, water and flashlights.
Purchase an ice melt product. Salt can ruin your driveways, walkways, landscaping and the run-off can pollute reservoirs and streams. Ice melt products are better for your home and the environment.
Keep your gas tank on the full side, you don’t want to run out of gas during the cold weather season.
Keep your phone with you at all times and make sure it’s fully charged. Give yourself extra time in the morning (and anytime it drops below freezing) to fully defrost your windows before you set out.
Drive with your lights on so you are more visible to other cars and pedestrians.
Bridges, overpasses and side streets tend to freeze first. Take extra caution with these roads.
Decrease your speed during heavy rain, snow or icy conditions and leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels lock up, gently ease off the brake pedal.
Don’t text and email while driving; always use a hands free device while behind the wheel.
There are many distractions for drivers; be prepared react quickly if necessary to avoid an accident.
Northwest WASHINGTON
49 Degrees North Badger Mountain Bluewood Crystal Mountain Echo Valley Hurricane Ridge Leavenworth Sports Club Loup Loup Ski Bowl Mission Ridge Mount Baker Mount Spokane Squilchuck State Park Stevens Pass Summit at Snoqualmie White Pass
OREGON
Anthony Lakes Cooper Spur Ski Area Hoodoo Ski Area Mount Ashland Mount Bachelor Mount Hood Timberline Ski Area
IDAHO
Schweitzer Silver Mountain Sun Valley Bogus Basin
BRITISH COLUMBIA Big White Mount Washington Sun Peaks Whistler Blackcomb
&
SKI RESORTS MOUNTAINS
ski49n.com skibadgermt.com bluewood.com skicrystal.com echovalley.org hurricaneridge.com skileavenworth.com skitheloup.com missionridge.com mtbaker.us mtspokane.com parks.state.wa.us stevenspass.com summitatsnoqualmie.com skiwhitepass.com
509.939.6649 509.745.8273 509.382.4725 888.754.6199 509.682.3503 848.667.7669 509.548.5477 509.557.3401 509.663.6543 360.734.6771 509.238.2220 509.664.6373 206.812.4510 425.434.7669 509.672.3101
anthonylakes.com cooperspur.com skihoodoo.com mtashland.com mtbachelor.com skihood.com timberlinelodge.com
541.856.3277 541.352.6692 541.822.3799 541.482.2897 800.829.2442 503.337.2222 503.272.3311
schweitzer.com silvermt.com sunvalley.com bogusbasin.com
208.263.9555 866.344.2675 888.490.5950 208.332.5100
bigwhite.com mountwashington.ca sunpeaksresort.com whistlerblackcomb.com
250.765.3101 888.231.1499 800.807.3257 800.766.0449