There's nothing like winter in Michigan, for better or worse! While enjoying your winter wonderland, keep peace of mind by preparing your home and car for winter. Winter can bring unpredictable weather, and a minor problem in warmer weather may affect you more in the colder months.

Preparing your home and car for winter now can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, keeping you, your family, and your property safe through the season. Here are some examples of why making these preparations is critical as colder weather approaches.

Keep Yourself and Your Loved Ones Safe

Preparing your home for colder months can prevent injuries and damage to your home. Icy walkways can cause slips and falls, while more serious structural damage can occur if your home is not ready for winter. Ensuring your car runs well and has emergency supplies can save lives during breakdowns or accidents, especially in remote areas.

Increase Longevity and Reduce Maintenace Costs

These steps can help preserve your home's structure and reduce winter-related wear and tear. Preparing your car for winter will extend its lifespan and prevent small emergencies, such as a flat tire, from becoming dangerous if preparations are not made.

Save Money on Energy Expenses

Winter weather can enter your home if you don't prepare properly. Preparing for cold weather can help you save money on heating costs and prevent emergencies.

Now that we know why preparing your home and car for winter is essential, here are some simple and affordable tips.

Preparing Your Home for Winter

1. Seal windows and doors and check insulation in critical areas. Wind and cold air can get through older windows or under doors, but there are options to prevent this, such as thermal sealing tape, window film installation, or even heavy curtains.
2. Service your furnace to make sure it's working correctly and not at risk of shutting down as the temperature drops. It's recommended to have a technician come out annually to ensure your furnace is in working order and make repairs as necessary.
3. To protect yourself from and prevent fires, check and replace the batteries on your carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm, and clear your dryer vents.
4. Put together an emergency kit, including flashlights, blankets, food and water. Keep your medications and important documents in an easy-to-access place so they're ready to go if needed.
5. Keep up with outdoor work, such as removing snow from your walkways and roof and cleaning your gutters, to prevent personal injury and structural damage in cases of heavy snowfall.

Preparing Your Car for Winter

1. Update your emergency contact information on your phone. This can be done on a smartphone or by annotating emergency contacts with "ICE," which stands for "in case of emergency," or a star. Some phones can also store health-related information that emergency responders can access, such as blood type, medical conditions, and medications.
2. Ensure your battery is in good condition to prevent extreme cold temperatures from draining it. Consider investing in a portable battery charger you can use in an emergency in a remote area.
3. Check fluids frequently and perform regular maintenance. This will help extend your car's lifespan by minimizing winter-related wear and tear.
4. Invest in snow tires, a spare tire, and backup wiper blades. This is best done before winter in the off-season to keep costs down. Also, consider investing in a portable air compressor in case of a flat in a remote area.
5. Prepare an emergency kit to keep in your car at all times. Evaluate your possible needs and gather or buy what you need. Find a weatherproof container to store your emergency kit in to keep everything dry. Unsure about what to include? Here are some ideas...
   1. Blankets, hats, socks, and gloves
   2. First aid kit
   3. Flashlight and extra batteries
   4. Jumper cables and snow and ice brush for your windshield.
   5. Sand or kitty litter in case you get stuck in snow or ice.

Preparing your home and car for winter is essential for safety, comfort, and savings. Simple steps like sealing drafts, servicing your furnace, and packing an emergency car kit can prevent costly problems and prepare you for the season. With a little effort now, you can stay safe and enjoy Michigan's winter months worry-free.