S&S Winter Weather Prep

Winter Preparation Checklist

2026 Winter Preparation Checklist

Whether your area is anticipating heavy snowfall, winter storms, or prolonged periods of freezing temperatures, taking preventative measures now can help protect your home and minimize potential damage. Consider the following tips to prepare your home for the winter season.

Have questions or need additional guidance? Contact one of our specialists today to discuss ways to help protect your home throughout the winter months.

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1. Establish an Emergency Plan

There’s an old saying: plan for the worst, hope for the best. That philosophy certainly rings true for homeownership, especially when a storm is approaching. The best first step any homeowner can take to prepare themselves and their property for a potential weather-related event is to establish an emergency plan. Create a list of preferred service providers, vendors, and emergency contacts before a storm arrives, because when pipes burst or the power lines come down, every second counts.

2. Monitor Interior Temperature

During the winter months, experts recommend keeping the interior temperature of your home at a minimum of 60 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if you are going to be away for an extended period of time. This will help to protect your pipes from freezing and bursting and help prevent other damage that may occur from prolonged exposure to extremely low temperatures.

3. Maintain Attic Conditions

If your home has an attic or crawlspace, make sure that it is properly insulated and ventilated, and that all pipes and their exposed surfaces are well insulated as well. This will help to reduce the chances of broken or frozen pipes. Additionally, make sure that you maintain a regular snow removal schedule in instances of extreme snowfall.

4. Install Smart Home Technology

Today, there are many technological options that homeowners can take advantage of to better monitor and control the conditions inside their homes. These include the ability to control the thermostat, security and video systems, lights, appliances, and more from smartphone or mobile device. Installing a smart home system can help you keep an eye on things in case you are away during a severe weather event.

5. Hire a House Sitter

If you know that you will be away from your home for a prolonged period over the winter, or if your time away from your home overlaps with an impending winter weather event, the best way to make sure your house is safe and protected is to hire a trusted house sitter. Daily check-ins during cold weather and winter storms will provide you with peace of mind while you’re away.

6. Automatic Water Shut-Offs

A burst pipe can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Installing a whole-house automatic water shut-off system could prevent costly water damage. You may also qualify for a discount on your homeowners insurance policy.

7. Conduct an Energy Audit

An energy audit of your home is a simple way to identify any issues that could put your plumbing at risk, including insulation gaps, air leakage, duct leakage, and moisture issues.