Although not all-inclusive, there are some routine things you can do to protect your property and save on heating costs:

• Seal leaks around doors and windows – caulking, weather stripping & plastic shrink wrap.
• Seal other leaks – check entry points for all pipes and ducts that travel through an exterior wall.  Check baseboards along exterior walls and caulk where necessary (to prevent air flow from the basement to the upstairs).  If there is a spot where spiders build webs, check for air flow in and out of the home – that is where spiders commonly build their webs.
• Make sure the insulation in your attic is appropriate in quantity and distribution.
• Check your heating system – vacuum vents, replace the furnace filter, and have a routine check performed by an HVAC professional.
• Check your fireplace – have the chimney inspected and cleaned.  Close the damper when not in use.
• Check the roof – look for loose shingles, make sure flashings around chimneys and vent pipes are water tight, check the bricks and mortar, clean gutters and make sure downspouts are pointing away from the home, trim tree limbs that are hanging over or touching the roof.
• Winterize the plumbing – use heat tape/pipe insulation around pipes that are known to freeze, know where the water shut-off valve is located and how to operate it in case pipes freeze and break, drain outdoor hoses and store them inside, turn off water supply to outdoor faucets.
• Check the exterior – check the foundation and siding for cracks or gaps and repair as necessary, prune shrubbery that is close to the house, try to landscape exterior perimeter of home so it slopes away from the home wherever possible to prevent seepage into the foundation.
• Maintain an emergency supply kit – flashlight, batteries, candles, matches, containers of bottled water, generator fully fueled, etc.

These are just some of the routine things to do to prevent the potential disaster of water damage from outside or inside your home and to save money on your heating bills.  It is also suggested you check on elderly neighbors routinely during the winter months to see if they may need any assistance.