Are You Ready For Winter?

It happens every year, but are you ready for the arrival of winter? If you are prepared for the cooler months, you are more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures drop.

How to Prepare Your Home

Consider these simple steps to keep your home safe and warm during winter months.

• Winterise your home:
• Clean out gutters & repair roof leaks
• Consider installing ceiling/roof insulation & window film (it is like upgrading from single-pane to double-pane or from double-pane to triple-pane windows)
• Insulate water pipes that could freeze
• If upgrading your curtains, opt for thermally backed
• Block drafts beneath your doors
• Rodent proof your home - rodents, spiders and other pests seek shelter from the winter elements and unfortunately warm homes make the perfect refuge. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home, replace loose mortar and weather stripping and keep lofts, basements, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry


• Check your heating systems:
• Have your heat pump system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly and does not require any replacement parts
• Continue to clean your heat pump filters monthly
• Ensure your outdoor heat pump unit is free from obstructions such as leaves and shrubs
• Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys


• Safety:
• If you do not have a working smoke detector, install one. Test batteries monthly

Prepare for Emergencies

Prepare for weather-related emergencies, including power outages.

• Keep a small stock of food that doesn’t need cooking or refrigeration (such as tinned/packet foods) and water stored in clean containers
• Keep a stock of extra pet food
• Ensure that your phone is fully charged
• When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions
• Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including:
• A torch and radio
• Extra batteries
• First-aid kit and extra medicine
• Baby items; and
• Cat litter or sand for icy walkways