Cleaning your gutters is extremely important before winter weather hits. If there are leaves or buildup in your gutters that stop the water from flowing freely throughout, it could cause the water to get stuck and freeze. Clogged gutters and frozen buildup can cause leaks and other water damage to your home.  

Your sump pump is a very essential tool to prevent water damage in your basement. It's important to check that it's working properly before the winter season arrives. Replace or fix any issues so it can help to protect your home in case of flooding.  

It’s important to have an emergency kit for each member of your household. You should have some located in an easy to grab location as well as in your car. To learn more about what they should include, check out our Emergency Evacuation Kit for Home Fires and More .

If your outdoor water sources aren' t shut off properly before freezing temperatures, it coul d cause your pipes to freeze. When pipes freeze it can cause corrosion and pipes to burst leading to extensive water damage within your home .  

In case an emergency does arise, it's important to have all of your safety devices prepared in your home for the upcoming winter season. This means making sure you have working batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. You should also check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher in case of a fire emergency in your home.