Have you ever had to climb a ladder when it was bitter cold outside because you forgot to check your roof for damages from the Winter before, well I have and it ain't pretty. This post is going to give you an informal checklist of all the things that you should be doing (among the other 1000's of things in the short summer month) to your homestead now to prepare for the harsh bitter Winter months. Perhaps you already do most things on this list, but then again there may be some you had never really thought of. So here goes:
Get the ladder out and put it up and eyeball your roof. Walk on it if you can. You may want to check out the base of the Chimney, or the shingles if you have any, or any rust spots that may have gotten worse than may present a problem over the coming winter. Also you may want to test and check any heating wires that are attached, and the base of the stink pipe, and the whirly bird thingy. LOL Don't just do your home, check the roof on the chicken coop, the sheds and the barn as well.
Clean out the chimney pipe. Yup that is a given but some just feel that burning wood logs you can buy in a store will clean it out you are dead wrong. What if a nest over the Spring started to form in the top of the chimney? Then go down into your basement and open the door on the chimney and clean that out too.
Next is clean all the debris from your Dryer vent outside and down the hose. That is a fire hazard waiting to happen, and it will cost you a fortune on hydro to dry your clothes with a vent that is jammed with lint.
Inspecting your insulation, and weather stripping around windows and doors. Replace anything that has worn down. Get your caulking gun out and look around the outside of your windows making sure none of the seal has rotten or broken away and replace what has. Insulate your water pipes at this time also if you have not already done so.
If you have a Generator, this is a great time to take it out, and get it started, check the gas and the quantity of gas you have on hand. You might want to use that up and get fresh stuff for the winter.
Next you will want to take out your shovels and any other snow removal equipment such as a snowblower, or a roof rake and inspect for damages and rust. Start your snowblower and again if you need to replace gas for it do so now, verify if it needs a mix of gas and oil, and perhaps write down the proper ratio just in case someone else has to fill it, and for heaven's sake tell someone where the key is....I have provided a link below, on how to get your snowblower ready for winter.
I Hope that this list has shed some light on perhaps something you missed. If you can add something to my list and share with your fellow homesteaders please do, "KNOWLEDGE IS POWER"
Happy Trails
Image Sources
https://www.fireplaceofatlanta.com/blog/prepare-your-fireplace-for-el-nino-this-winter
https://www.dryerventcleaning.us/dangers-of-clogged-dryer-vents
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-importance-of-air-sealing-113290
https://www.picfair.com/pics/02169894-disaster-preparedness-checking-generator
https://www.consumerreports.org/snow-blowers/how-to-get-your-snow-blower-ready-for-winter/