With winter just around the corner in many parts of the world, it’s time to start getting your home ready for a change in the weather.

Whether you’re projected to have a long and cold winter or you usually only have mild changes during this time of year, it’s always wise to take this time to inspect your home and get ready for whatever mother nature has in store for you.

To help you with this, here are three ways you should be preparing your home for winter weather. 

Move Standing Water Away From Your Home

One of the biggest hazards to you physically and to the structure of your home is standing water, especially if that water freezes during the cold winter months. Not only could this be a huge safety hazard for anyone who might slip and fall, but it could also cause damage to both your home and your landscaping if you’re not careful.

To limit the possibility of this happening, Amanda Schmidt, a contributor to AccuWeather.com, recommends that you add some extenders to any of the downspouts on the outside of your home. By doing this, you’ll be able to ensure that any rain or snow that comes off of your home will be diverted away from the foundation of the structure and won’t become a hazard to you. 

Seal Any Air Leaks

During the winter months, you’re likely going to be paying a lot of money to keep your home warm and toasty as the outdoor temperatures plummet. So to ensure that you’re able to keep all this heat inside your home rather than escaping, Marilyn Lewis, a contributor to Money Talks News, suggests that you spend some time surveying your home for any air leaks that need to be sealed. 

If and when you find any, weatherstripping is usually the best option for sealing up any cracks around exterior doors or windows. Additionally, you can also install a door sweep at the bottom of your exterior doors to keep any drafts out. And if you find any bigger leaks, consider using caulking to fill in the gaps and holes. 

Keep Your Plumbing From Freezing

As the temperatures outside drop, you’re going to need to be very careful with your plumbing so that you won’t wind up with frozen pipes. When pipes freeze, they expand, which can cause a pipe to burst and become a huge plumbing headache. 

To prevent this, Sarah Welch and Alicia Rockmore, contributors to HGTV, recommend draining all the water from any outdoor plumbing you have. As for indoor pipes, you should consider wrapping them in heat tape to keep them warm when it’s particularly cold outside. 

To help you and your family stay safe and warm all winter long, consider using the tips mentioned above to prep your home for the coming holiday season.