Our REALTORS® love showing off amazing Beavercreek homes for sale any time of year.

However, if you come from a place where winter snow is a novelty – or a myth – then you might find yourself concerned about Ohio snowstorms that visit us from time to time.

Remember: Every year, millions of people weather the storm without any injuries or property damage. That said, it's a good idea to go into the situation prepared and know what to expect. After you get through a snowstorm or two, you'll be an old hand at the process.

To keep your family and your home safe, remember these valuable tips:

1. Start With a Winter Emergency Kit
The most intimidating possibility in winter is finding that you can't get out to get the supplies you need. Roads may become impassable due to snow or for other reasons. With that in mind, get a kit together to meet all of your needs.

A winter emergency kit should include:

• Food and bottled water
• A supply of medication
• Windshield wipers
• Road salt and sand
• Hats and gloves
• Batteries (including D!)
• An extra radio – if possible, a crank-operated all-weather model

2. Treat Your Sidewalks and Stairs

The morning before a storm, be sure you set the stage correctly by treating sidewalks and stairs with ice-melting road salt. These are two areas where accidents are most likely to take place, and once snow begins to fall, it'll be too late to manage them properly.

3. Shovel, But Use Discretion

Shoveling is a lot more difficult than it looks. If you are going to be shoveling around your property, do it with caution until you know how much you can handle. Wear loose-fitting clothes and take frequent breaks. Layer up so you won't risk complications from the cold.

4. Get Your Furnace Serviced

Your furnace is a low priority for most of the year, but it does a lot of hard work in the cold! Get it serviced by a professional a week before heavy weather is expected to roll in. Remember that you can check and replace your filter on your own – most need replacement every three months.

Remember, if heater vents get clogged, it can lead to a dangerous gas build-up. Keep vents clear!

5. Be Ready for a Power Outage

A temporary power outage is sometimes unavoidable when storms are at their worst. This situation means no heat, but don't panic! Pile on plenty of clothing and use alternate heat sources with caution. It's a great time to stoke the fireplace, but use a metal screen to reduce the fire risk.

And never, ever open the oven to heat your home! It can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

6. Be Careful with Portable Generators

Every year, the onset of the snow season causes a run on portable generators. The deep discounts mean they may be affordable only until the end of the year. Be sure you select your generator with care and do a "dry run" to see how it works before you need it!

7. Prepare Your Plumbing

To keep water from freezing in your pipes, start by turning off the inside valves to your external faucets. Unhook hoses and run your outdoor faucets to drain them of water completely. From there, open the cabinet doors under your sinks so warm air in your home reaches them more easily.

Snowstorms can be an inconvenience, but living here in Ohio makes it all worth it.

Contact Wright-Patt Realty to find out more about the right Ohio real estate opportunities for you.