Winters have a lovely, cozy side to them, but only when you’re fully prepared. It would be unpleasant, damaging, or even unsafe when the cold settles in for the haul.
That’s the case for Missouri winters, which can be completely unpredictable. The winters may set in early or much later, and without much warning, it could snow or turn into an ice storm.
As a Missourian, getting your home winter-ready is pretty wise, and we’ve got tips to help you along.
1. Cover the Cracks
Before winter sets in, inspect your house for crevices in the doors, windows, and walls.
People tend to ignore small spaces believing that whatever air gets through won’t amount to much, not with the heating system on.
That is a mistake because freezing winter winds are crazy cold. After a few hours of cold air seeping through the cracks, your home begins to feel like it’ll never get warm.
2. Check Your Roof
Once the snow camps on your roof, any damages will clearly show. You don’t want a leaky roof when winter is already upon you.
Start inspecting your roof early for anything that could result in leakages. If you’re not sure you’ll be thorough, bring in a roofing company to inspect and repair the damages.
3. Inspect the Fireplace
Many people ignore the fireplace only to remember their worth in winter. The cozy nights spent before the fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate sounds like a cliche, but it’s not something you want to miss out on.
Remember your fireplace and chimney at least a few weeks before and carry out repairs if needed.
During this time, you also want to stock up on firewood. With the unpredictable Missouri ice storms, power cuts due to damaged power lines are not uncommon. You have to maintain heating when your HVAC system is out.
4. Stock up on Supplies
Of course, you can always make grocery runs in winter because business goes on as usual — until it doesn’t. Nasty blizzards and winter floods can keep people in their homes for a while.
It would be best if you stocked up on supplies starting with food items. Fill your pantry and buy battery-powered flashlights for when the power is out.
5. Refill Your Medications
Stock up your medicine cabinet with essentials, from antibiotics to a first-aid kit. This is especially important if you live far from hospitals and drug stores.
If you’re on specific medications, including vitamins and even unconventional ones like marijuana, ensure you have a refill.
Medical marijuana doctors in Missouri can help you get on the program if you’re not sure how to.
6. Work on Your Outdoors
The outdoors need looking after before the cold arrives because it’d be too difficult to do much later.
Mow the lawn and use the cut grass to mulch your garden if you have one. Any outdoor plants will also need mulching to keep the soil from freezing.
Remove tree debris from the gutters since they trap rainwater, and when frozen in place, they can damage the roof.
7. Insulate the Pipes
Exposed pipes often freeze, blocking the flow of water, but that’s not the only problem on your hands. If it gets too icy, a frozen pipe will burst, causing an even bigger problem.
You can avoid all of that by covering exposed pipes or those located in unheated areas.
Most local stores will have different materials you can use to insulate your pipes, like plastic wraps and foam wraps.
Besides exposed pipes, you have the same freezing problem with sprinklers. You want to drain them before temperatures drop.
8. Create a Flood Checklist
In 2015, deadly winter floods wreaked havoc on homes in St. Louis. With water levels in the Mississippi and its tributaries rising, houses in Franklin County were already several feet in the water.
While rare, winter floods are a reality in Missouri and can hit at any time if storms persist. It’s wise to have a plan for the floods, just in case.
Make sure you have an elevated spot you can go to if it floods because water can rise several feet above the ground. Have emergency supplies ready, which should include stored water since you can’t use tap water during a flood.
Final Thoughts
You should always get your home ready for the winter regardless of where you live. But when you’re a Missourian, winter can bring more to the table, making it necessary to be fully prepared when the cold sets in.
