Winter has arrived in Canada and there are several simple steps you can follow to prepare for a safe and comfortable winter.

1. Clear your propane tank or meter of ice and snow.
   Accumulation of snow and ice places stress on your propane source, whether a propane tank or meter piping. Damage to the piping or tank can cause a leak. Blocked regulator vents can dangerously over-pressure the system, negatively affecting appliance operation.
   • Ensure a pathway is cleared of snow and ice for safe delivery of propane.
   • Be sure to keep your propane source clear of ice and snow.
   • Do not shovel snow up against the propane tank or meter.
   • Take care when using a snow blower or plow near these areas.
   • Keep eaves troughs clear and in good repair so that water does not drip, which can cause ice build-up on your propane tank, cylinder or meter piping.
2. Prepare your furnace.
   • Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly.
   • Call Superior to inspect your furnace; enrol in one of our Service Plans.
   • Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat.
   • If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them.
   • Remove all flammable material from the area surrounding your furnace.
3. Get the fireplace ready.
   • Call Superior to inspect your fireplace; enrol in one of our Service Plans.
   • Check up the fireplace flue to make sure it is not blocked in any way.
4. Check the exterior, doors and windows.
   • Inspect exterior for cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.
   • Use weather-stripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows.
   • Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood.
   • If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields.
   • Remove window screens and install storm windows (if applicable).
5. Inspect your roof, gutters and downspouts.
   • Adding insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from escaping to your roof and causing ice dams.
   • Check flashing to ensure water or melting snow cannot enter your home.
   • Replace worn roof shingles or tiles.
   • Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris.
   • Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions to direct water away from the home.
6. Service weather-specific equipment.
   • Drain gas from lawnmowers, service or tune-up snow blowers, replace worn snow shovels.
   • Cover outdoor air conditioning unit to prevent snow and ice build up inside the unit.
   • Clean, dry and store summer gardening equipment and furniture.
   • Buy bags of ice-melt and/or sand.
   • Make sure barbecue is covered; if using during the winter make sure it is clean and operating properly.
7. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
   • Regulations can require a smoke detector on every floor and outside every bedroom.
   • Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends.
   • Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and/or water heater.
   • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work.
   • Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years.
8. Prevent plumbing freezes.
   • Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
   • Drain all garden hoses.
   • Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.
   • If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 14 degrees Celsius.
9. Prepare landscaping and outdoor surfaces.
• Trim trees if branches hang too close to the house or electrical wires.
10. Prepare an emergency kit.
    • Buy indoor candles and matches/lighter for use during a power shortage.
    • Find the phone numbers for your utility companies and have them handy for reference.
    • Buy a battery back-up to protect your computer and sensitive electronic equipment.
    • Store extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies (including pet food, if you have a pet), blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and easy-to-access location.
    • Prepare an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency.
11. Prepare your automobile.
    • Winterizing your car is as important as winterizing your home – keep your car tuned up and install tires that are right for your road conditions. Stock adequate food, clothing and blankets in your car because even if your car is able to go forward, sometimes road conditions stop us in our tracks.
    • Staying warm while stranded in a car is tricky. Keep eating, moving around and stay wrapped in warm clothes and blankets. If you are often on long road trips where help would be hard to find, educate yourself on staying warm in a car.