Luckily in Ireland, we don’t see heavy snow showers very often except maybe an odd day of snow during the winter months which usually results in nothing more than a lot of people discussing the weather.
But we can experience very cold temperatures and occasionally get hit with heavy snow storms or wintry conditions, so it’s important to know how to react appropriately.
Clear Driveways & Paths
If the weather is forecasting very cold, icy or snowy conditions, stock up with salt before it’s due to arrive.
Spread salt on pathways and steps around your home to reduce ice build-up. This reduces the chances of you or your family having a nasty fall during the cold spell.
Service the Heating System
Make sure that your boiler or heating system is working properly by scheduling a service with a licensed professional before winter. Regular maintenance of your boilers, radiators and heaters can help prevent unexpected problems and keep you warm during the colder months.
Protecting Pipes from freezing
Ensure that the pipes around your home are properly insulated. If you don’t have time to do this, make sure that you turn on your tap or heating regularly to keep the flow of water running and reduce the chances of a pipe bursting. Uisce Eireann provide useful advice for frozen or burst pipes here.
Clean Gutters
Keep your gutters free of dirt and debris before the snow hits. If your gutters are clogged, water and snow will fill up your gutter and prevent water and melted snow from being able to escape. This may result in your gutters, roof or exterior walls being damaged.
Seal Windows and Doors
Keep draughts out and heat in by sealing any gaps and cracks around windows and doors with weatherstripping or sealants. For a less DIY-based approach, consider installing draught excluders at the base of doors or using thermal curtains to add extra insulation.
Check Trees and Branches
Prune or cut back any branches or trees that are too close to your house. The weight of the snow can cause branches to break and cause damage to your home.
Stock Up On Supplies
Depending on where you live, it may be hard to access shops and service stations during a period of heavy snow. Stock up on basic supplies such as water, food, batteries and candles in the lead up to a snow storm.
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