Winter’s Coming: How to Keep Your Home and Car From Waving the White Flag

Ah, winter. The season of cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and… frozen pipes and dead car batteries. But don’t worry — with a little prep work now, you can sip your cocoa in peace instead of calling the plumber or waiting for roadside assistance in a snowstorm.

Here’s how to get your home and car winter-ready, the easy way.

🏠 Winter-Proof Your Home (and Keep Those Toes Toasty)

1. Banish the Drafts:

Feel that chilly breeze sneaking in? Your house might be trying to tell you it needs some TLC. Check windows and doors for drafts, and grab some weather stripping or caulk. Think of it as tucking your house in with a nice warm blanket.

2. Give Your Furnace Some Love:

Your heating system’s been off duty for months — make sure it’s up for the comeback tour. Schedule a tune-up before it hits the big stage (aka the first cold snap). A clean filter and quick inspection can save you a lot of heat (and cash) later.

3. Protect Your Pipes:

Frozen pipes are no fun. Insulate exposed ones in basements or attics, and let your faucets drip during extreme cold. It’s like giving your plumbing a coffee break — keeps things flowing smoothly.

4. Clear the Gutters, Check the Roof:

Gutters full of leaves are just waiting to cause ice dams, and that’s a mess you don’t want. Clear them out now, and take a peek at your roof shingles while you’re up there (or hire a pro — safety first!).

5. Double-Check Those Detectors:

Furnaces and fireplaces make winter cozy — but also raise the risk of carbon monoxide buildup. Test your smoke and CO detectors so you can rest easy knowing you’re safe and sound.

🚗 Get Your Ride Ready for the Cold

1. Battery Check = No Surprises:

Cold weather is your car battery’s worst enemy. Get it tested — if it’s older than your favorite pair of gloves, it might be time for a replacement.

2. Tires & Brakes:

If your tires are looking smoother than your New Year’s resolutions, it’s time for an upgrade. Winter tires are worth the investment for better grip on icy roads.

3. Fluids, Fluids, Fluids:

Top off your antifreeze, washer fluid, and oil. Go for winter-grade oil if your owner’s manual recommends it.

4. Pack an Emergency Kit:

Blankets, snacks, flashlight, jumper cables — all the things you’d want if you were stuck on the side of the road. (Maybe toss in some chocolate. You’ve earned it.)

5. Wash and Wax:

Salt on the road = rust on your car. A fresh wash and wax before the snow flies helps protect your paint job.

❄️ Be Prepared, Not Panicked

Winter doesn’t have to be a struggle. A few smart moves now can save you time, money, and headaches later. And if you really want peace of mind? Make sure your home and auto insurance are up to date.

At Foursquare Insurance, we’re here to help you weather any storm — literal or otherwise. So before you break out the snow shovel, give your agent a call. We’ll help make sure you’re covered from the roof to the road.