While people rush to hardware and grocery stores after hearing a forecast, there is no need procrastinate. It’s a good idea to pick up last-minute essentials such as food, but winter storm safety requires being ready for every snow event, not just the big one.

Top 5 Winter Storm Safety Tips

Prepare for power failures

Stock up on batteries for flashlights and small lanterns. Also keep candles on hand as they provide light and some heat.

Keep out the cold

Add insulation to water pipes to prevent freezing in a power outage. Increasing attic insulation and investing in new windows also helps keep warm air in and cold air out.

Be ready to stay indoors

Cold weather often means spending more time indoors. With continuous heating of the home, dry air can become a problem that leads to decreased comfort, health issues, and damage to the home. Humidifiers are the most effective way to add moisture to a home’s air.

Inspect your car

Maintaining tires and batteries are two of the best investments commuters can make in the winter. A hard to turn over engine is a major sign of a failing battery. A battery should be replaced or inspected every 3 years, according to Firestone. To check tire condition, use the penny test. Simply place a penny in the tread. Get new all-season tires if you can see Lincoln’s head.

Shop before the snow arrives

Even in northern parts of the country, homeowners often wait until a winter storm hits to check the snow blower or replace last year’s broken shovel. Purchasing or repairing these items early in the season can keep a family a step ahead when hazardous weather arrives, since stores struggle to keep these items on the shelf during a blizzard.

Winterizing a home and car can reduce the impact of the winter storms each year. Don’t leave safety and comfort at the mercy of Mother Nature this year, prepare today.