Winter weather is almost upon us.  Here are some tips to help get your house ready for winter.

Don't forget to winterize your vehicle. Check out our Winter driving tips link for more advice.

• Check your windows and doors for heat loss.This is a cheap easy way to save energy and lost heat. Your local hardware store has items to repair leaking doors and windows like caulking and weather stripping. Also keep that air filter clean. Dust can hamper airflow and reduce heating ability.

• Close off any unused rooms.  Why heat something you don't use?

• Wrap your exposed pipes outside.  It's inexpensive and saves a lot of money in the long run.

• Find out what to do if your pipes freeze. Visit this link Weather.com

• Be sure your chimney is free from leaves and debris.  Clean it often if you burn woods with high creosote levels like pine.

• Keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case.

• Be sure you have a carbon monoxide detector as well as working smoke detectors in the house with fresh batteries in all detectors.

• Carbon monoxide poisoning  is deadly.  Follow all guidelines carefully when using Kerosene heaters.

• Keep all space heaters away from combustible materials and out of reach from children and pets.

• Have at least 4 days of non perishable foods that require little or no cooking.

• A corded standard phone is a good choice to have if we lose power.  Cordless land line phones will be rendered useless.

• Keep batteries handy for flashlights and avoid using candles whenever possible.

• Remember to take it slow when shoveling snow. Most heart attacks occur during overexertion in the winter.

• Hydrate yourself and your pets.

•  FEMA  Winter Storms

• CDC Winter Weather advice

• For those who use woodstoves and fireplaces  November 2007: Fall Fire Prevention by Fire Chief Shane Warner