How to Prep for a Winter Storm in New England

What’s a New England winter without a snow storm? While the falling snow can turn your neighborhood into a winter wonderland, the last thing you want is for it to wreak havoc on your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

As with any snow storm, it’s best to steer clear of the roads. With that said, it can be difficult to reach an HVAC service provider to come out to your home once the storm is in full swing. That’s why we’re here to ensure you and your family are prepared to prevent any of your home’s central systems from turning a cold shoulder.

When the snow starts falling and you experience an HVAC, electrical, or plumbing issue, give HomeX Remote Assist a try. Rather than waiting through endless dial tones to reach a home service provider that might not even be available, Remote Assist connects you with an expert technician over the phone or through video chat to diagnose and potentially fix your issue virtually.

How Do You Prepare Your Home for a Winter Storm in New England?

Ready to get the (snow)ball rolling when it comes to preparing your home for a New England winter storm? We’ve outlined some preventative actions to help keep your home and family safe and warm:

• Hire a professional to inspect your home’s heating system
• Trim any tree branches that could damage your roof, windows, or car if they fall
• Consider insulating your garage and basement to act as a thermal barrier
• Inspect your generator (if you have one) to make sure it works in case the power goes out
• Invest in a battery-operated sump pump to keep water out of your basement if the power goes out
• Check that all of your windows and doors are properly sealed
• Protect or insulate exposed water pipes
• Have a shovel, sand, or salt ready for clearing walkways and driveways
• Clear your roof of any standing snow and ice
• Keep snowbanks from building up against your house
• Stock up on wood, oil, or other means of heating your home
• Check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in case of fire

“How Do I Make Sure My Family is Ready?”

Now that your home is prepared, you need to make sure your family is too! A major winter storm in Rhode Island or Massachusetts can keep you from leaving the house for a few days. Here are some things you can do to make sure your family is safe inside:

• Stock up on non-perishable foods in case the power goes out
• Buy a supply of water bottles in case pipes freeze or municipal water delivery fails
• Purchase toiletries (toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, etc.)
• Prepare a fire emergency kit (fire extinguisher, fire blankets) in case of fire
• Fill your bathtub with water (this can be used to flush the toilet if necessary)
• Ensure every family member has enough warm clothing layers in case the heating fails
• Have some activities like board games, coloring books, or a deck of cards!

Remember your family is there to help! Make sure everyone knows where all your emergency kits and equipment are located so you’re all on the same page. It may seem like you’re over preparing, but a major winter storm can escalate quickly. Once schools are cancelled and roads close, you’ll be glad you were ready ahead of time. When your family is inside during a storm, it’s time to relax and enjoy your time together!

HomeX Remote Assist

Experiencing a problem with your home’s HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems during the winter? Connect with a HomeX Remote Assist expert via a phone call or video chat right away! They’ll provide a free diagnosis of your issue and if they’re able to fix your issue virtually, it’ll cost you $50 or less––the fraction of an in-home service fee. If you’re a member of our Home Advocate membership, this service is free to you.

Winter can be full of snowy surprises. HomeX Remote Assist can help prepare you for any home emergency before, during, or after of the snow storm, especially when you’re unable to reach your home service provider.

Try Remote Assist