7 Essential Things You Need to Do Before the First Snowfall

Winter is synonymous with the warm and fuzzies. Before the hibernation of the holiday season sets in and the first snowflakes start to fall, there are a few key home maintenance tasks to check off your to-do list to make sure you’re ready for the cold weather months ahead. Tend to these indoor and outdoor chores around the home before the first snow for a safe and comfortable winter—and a stress-free spring.

Maintenance Tasks to Do Before the First Snow

1. Prep All Snow-Clearing Supplies

Snow and ice can wreak havoc on your home. Be proactive before the first snowfall to protect outdoor appliances, clear walkways, or winterize the garden for spring. The last thing you want is to go outside to clear the driveway and realize the snowblower doesn’t work, or that you’re fresh out of sidewalk salt. These tasks should be on top of your list:

• Test the snowblower to ensure it works and make sure it has enough fuel.
• Confirm the snow shovel (and a backup) is in good working order to last through the season for manual snow removal.
• Stock up on enough sidewalk salt to last the whole season. Remember all the stairs, walkways, pathways, and garage entrances leading to your home.
• If necessary, get winter tires for improved traction and safer winter driving.

2. Prep Your Home’s Exterior

Winterizing is an important step to protect exposed infrastructure from damage caused by cold temperatures or heavy snowfall. “Prepare appliances for winter by cleaning them, turning off the water and draining the sump and lines, insulating exposed pipes, and making sure they are secure, so no rodents make a winter home out of them,” recommends home maintenance expert Glenn Lewis. Additional exterior home tasks could include:

• Clean the gutters of debris to prevent ice dams that will damage the roof.
• Protect outdoor utilities, such as an A/C condenser unit, by wrapping them or installing a cover.

3. Prepare the Garden for Winter

Protecting plants will make springtime gardening a breeze. Tackle these tasks:

• Wrap any shrubs, plants, flowers, or perennials that are vulnerable to snow and cold.
• Lightly trim plants and trees.
• Spread organic material on the soil for nutrients.
• Harvest any herbs, vegetables, etc.
• Disconnect and empty the garden hose.
• Winterize the sprinkler system to prevent pipe damage.

4. Check Heating Appliances and Insulation

Whether your home runs on a boiler, furnace, heat pump, or other system, make sure the heating source is in good working order before snowfall. These tasks could include:

• Turn on the heating system and try it before the cold fully sets in.
• Clean or replace HVAC and furnace filters.
• Book a professional inspection of the heating system and schedule any maintenance.

5. Spot Drafts and Seal Leaks

The heating system won’t have to work as hard if these basic winter prep steps are taken. Similarly, a well-insulated home is more energy efficient. Prepare the insulation and seal the windows:

• Check for draft spots like windows, doors, attics, basements, vents, and fans. Seal any drafts.
• Remove window screens to prevent snow damage and let in more light during the winter.

 6. Prevent Indoor Fire Hazards

“Check your smoke alarms twice a year and replace them once they stop working according to the manufacturer’s recommendations,” advises fire safety expert Nicole Sanders. She also says families should have an escape plan and keep doors closed. “A closed door can create up to a 900-degree temperature difference compared to an open one, slowing smoke and fire spread.”

From fire safety to emergency preparedness, tasks to keep you safe this winter could include:

• Inspect and clean the chimney.
• Make any repairs to the fireplace and chimney’s mortar and liner.
• Make an emergency stay-at-home kit with basic supplies and food for everyone in your home for 72 hours.
• And pack a go bag for instances when you might need to stay away from your home for several days, until the rough weather passes.

7. Reset Your Wardrobe and Closets

Don’t be caught by surprise by a sudden burst of snowy weather—prepare to dress appropriately for cold, wet, and icy weather that comes with the season.

Declutter your closets to make space for cold-weather clothes, bulky sweaters, insulated socks, and snow sports gear. Unpack any jackets, boots, or winter accessories stored since summer. Wash everything down and make sure everything is in good condition. Take stock of any lost or broken items that need urgent replacement.

Designate an area at any common entrances to the home (ie, the garage door entrance, the front entrance) for boots and wet shoes. Store summer shoes for the season and get a new shoe mat, tray, or towel specifically to keep winter boots from tracking in the snow.

What to Avoid Until Snow Is Clear

Winter weather can turn harsh with little warning, so it’s smart to be cautious. When you’re walking outside or driving, be vigilant for icy areas. When clearing snow from your driveway or walkway, don’t block drainage, sidewalks, or other street-accessed utilities. Avoid fines and frustration by shoveling snow into piles on your property and adding sidewalk salt to help melt the ice.

Avoid using generators, camping stoves, or open flames unless you’re in a well-ventilated area, as they all pose carbon monoxide and fire risks. Use space heaters with vigilance: plug them directly into the wall and turn them off when you leave the room to minimize fire hazards.