First snow of the winter season in McCall

Welcome Winter! We woke to almost four inches of snow on our deck this morning. Is your house ready for the season? Here are few suggestions to get your home ready for the weather:

1. Check the furnace: Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts. Consider getting a programmable thermostat.
2. Get Fireplace Ready: Clean the chimney & stack and split the remaining cords of needed firewood in a dry area.
3. Inspect roof and gutters: Add extra insulation in the attic, if needed, clean out gutters if you have them, check flashing, and put up heat tape if necessary.
4. Service weather-specific equipment: Buy your shovel now, before they run out and while there pick up a bag or two of ice melt.
5. Check foundation: check vents in crawl space, put up insulated covers on, if applicable. Rake away debris and edible vegetation from foundation and seal up entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house (especially the skunk)
6. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors - or check their batteries.
7. Prevent plumbing freezing: insulate exposed plumbing pipes, keep your house at least at 55 degrees if you leave. Have it checked by someone periodically if you are gone for extended days.
8. Landscape & outdoors: Blow out the sprinklers, drain garden hoses, ask your local landscaper about what bushes and scrubs to wrap for the winter. Put markers up to mark the edges of your driveway for plowing.
9. Prepare an emergency kit: Buy indoor candles and matches, buy battery back up for your computer, store extra water and non-perishable food supplies.
10. Prepare your vehicle: Put in an extra pair of boots, a hat & gloves, blanket and small shovel for emergencies.

These are just a few ideas to prepare you and your home for the upcoming season. It is one of the best times of year here and always more enjoyable if you have a warm, safe place to come back to after experiencing a fun-filled day in some outdoor adventure.