Ridgefield Urges Residents To Prep For Winter

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The town Office of Emergency Management and the Community Emergency Response Team recommend Ridgefield residents implement this home inspection check list now, in preparation for the winter weather season.

Exterior:

• Clean the gutters to avoid ice dams and drain outdoor faucets to avoid exterior pipe freezing.
• Inspect and service generators. Review generator operation instructions for safety.
• Assess nearby trees and limbs for damage. This is a good way to keep vulnerable landscape from damaging property or causing personal injury.
• Bring in, cover and/or secure lawn furniture. This keeps your furniture from causing damage or harm as they become unguided missiles during a storm.
• Check manufacturer’s recommendations on window and door caulking. Caulk where needed.
• Check plow service contract, and/or home plow equipment and snow shovel readiness.
• Buy ice melt.
• Always have access for emergency vehicles.

Interior:

• Have chimney and dryer vents cleaned and inspected to avoid fires.
• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Be sure fire extinguishers are in good working order.
• Insulate interior wall pipelines to prevent freezing. Add additional insulation if needed to save energy.
• Check portable radio and lanterns and replace with new batteries. Assess last winter’s emergency home kit and go bag (in case you need to evacuate in a hurry) and replace outdated items.

Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations on all equipment.