Winter has officially arrived. Is your home ready?  Buena Vista, VA can experience winter storms that can be dangerous to you and your family if you are not well prepared.  At Stonewall Grace Insurance, we want all of our clients to be safe and warm this winter.  Use these tips to help ready your home for the next big winter blast.

Preparing the Exterior of Your Home for Winter

Since we often get snow in the winter in Buena Vista, VA, it is a good idea to hire a contractor to check your roof structure.  Make sure that it has the ability to sustain a heavy amount of snow or ice.  It is also important to repair any roof leaks and clear gutters of debris.  Make sure tree branches are trimmed so that they do not fall on your roof or any other nearby structures during a strong storm.  Also, have the chimney inspected, cleaned and cleared of debris or bird’s nests before using it.

Tips to Prepare the Inside of Your Home for Winter

Winterize your windows and exterior doors by replacing caulking and weather-stripping to prevent cold air from seeping inside your home. Check the insulation in the attic and replace or add to it if need be. Install carbon-monoxide detectors that are either battery operated or have a battery backup to detect any accumulation of this potentially deadly gas. Also, check your smoke alarms and replace batteries if need be. And make sure that everyone in the family knows how to use the fire extinguishers. Finally, if you know that a freeze is coming, wrap your water pipes and allow the faucets to drip. At Stonewall Grace Insurance, we hope everyone has a safe and warm winter.