Brrr! With the weather turning cold this week, it made me think about what is needed to prepare your home for the winter. The weather in Edmond can change drastically, from the high winds and warm temperatures a few days ago, to the freezing cold, ice and snow of January and February. Here are a few tips:

1. Check your fireplace and chimney before use. Chimney flues that have become lined with creosote are fire hazards.
   
2. Check the outside of your home for cracks around windows and doors, and for loose siding and trim. Caulk these to block the cold air from entering your home. Make sure your masonry and sidewalk cracks are sealed to prevent the damage that can be caused by the "freeze-thaw" process.
   
3. Disconnect all water hoses from your outside faucets and install faucet covers for insulation. Leaving hoses connected can prevent your pipes from draining, causing freeze damage inside your home and necessitating expensive repairs.
   
4. Clean your gutters of leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can cause a big problem when the snow starts to melt, possibly damaging your roof and walls.
   
5. Drain your birdbaths and cover them so they cannot fill with water and freeze.

For more information on preparing your home for the winter, go to Do It Yourself.com. Hope you are ready for the winter, it will be skiing time soon!