SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - Winter weather is on the way. Its presence will make any draft in your home noticeable and could keep you second-guessing whether your winter equipment is ready for the season.

It’s important to eliminate the possibility of any cold air entering your home from cracks in windows or doors.

Family resource management field specialist at South Dakota State University Extension Lorna Saboe-Wounded Head said to do this, you should weatherize your windows and doors by caulking them or using weather strips.

For the best energy efficiency, set your thermostat on a timer and remember to change the filter in your heater frequently. If you choose to warm a room in your home with an electric or oil heater, closely monitor it.

“You don’t want to accidentally get a blanket maybe touching it or small children around it. Always attend it and always make sure that there’s someone around it and don’t leave it running all day long when you’re not home,” Saboe-Wounded Head explained.

Heading outdoors, bring in any hoses, grills, or firepits inside and check them for damages before storing them through the winter months, and get your winter equipment like shovels and snowblowers ready for action.

“Make sure there’s gas it in, make sure the tires are up, make sure it can start, you know do any maintenance you need on it. The other thing, make sure you can get to it,” Saboe-Wounded Head said.

If you find that you are in need of help when it comes to prepping your home for winter, rest assured there are resources available to keep you and your family safe and warm. The South Dakota Department of Social Services offers energy and winterization assistance, click here for more information.

For more tips on winterizing your home, click here.

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