(Family Features) Harsh winter elements like snow, ice and wind can wreak havoc on your home – if it’s not properly prepared and maintained. Make home maintenance both indoors and out a priority this winter to ensure it’s safe, warm, secure and operating efficiently.

While winterizing can be a daunting task, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need help installing gutter guards, sealing cracks in your concrete or ensuring your sump pump is ready for winter, the experts at Thrasher Foundation Repair provide precise repairs for every project.

They’ve seen it all through 50 years of serving more than 150,000 happy customers – from basement flooding to damaged concrete – and know how to prevent these issues before they start. Recognized with the International Torch Award for Ethics by the Better Business Bureau Midwest Plains, they set the standard for excellence in their field as a trusted industry leader in home protection.

“Winter can really take a toll on your home, but a few proactive steps now can save you headaches later,” CEO Dan Thrasher said. “At Thrasher Foundation Repair, we help protect what matters most – your home and peace of mind. We’re happy to share our pro tips to help you keep your home safe, dry and ready for whatever winter throws your way.”

It all begins with homeowners taking proactive steps to recognize small problems before they spiral out of control. Use this checklist from Thrasher’s experts to prepare your home for a warm, secure and stress-free winter season.

Clean and Maintain Gutters and Downspouts
When debris like leaves clog gutters, it causes water to overflow and freeze, leading to ice dams and roof leaks. These blockages can cause water to damage your roof, siding and foundation, meaning it’s critical to remove debris. Run water through gutters and check for proper water flow – if you notice pooling or slow drainage, there may be a blockage that needs attention. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation and walkways by extending them at least 10 feet away from the home. Also be sure to inspect and tighten any loose gutter brackets and fasteners so they can withstand the weight of snow and ice.
 

Insulate Rim Joists
Rim joist insulation plays a big role in your home’s energy efficiency. If your insulation is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a more efficient material to reduce heat loss.

Protect the Basement and Foundation
Now is a good time to inspect your foundation for any cracks or damage. Bringing in the experts to address problem areas can help avoid larger issues when spring storms arrive. A working sump pump is critical for preventing basement flooding caused by snowmelt or winter storms, so it’s important to test it to ensure proper functionality. It’s also important to inspect discharge lines for potential freezing issues to avoid water backup into the basement. Consider grading soil to ensure the ground slopes away from your home, preventing water from seeping through.

Seal and Protect Concrete
Carefully inspect walkways, driveways and patios for cracking. During winter, water can seep into cracks, freeze then expand, causing long-term damage. Seal them with a penetrating sealant (rather than a topical one) for long-lasting protection from moisture, salt and other winter elements.

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Optimize Humidity
Turn on your furnace’s humidifier to maintain proper indoor humidity levels and adjust your dehumidifier settings to match winter’s low humidity. This helps keep your home comfortable while preventing moisture-related issues.

Clear Debris Around the House
Along with cleaning gutters and downspouts, it’s important to clear window wells and clean up around the foundation, too. Debris in window wells can block drainage, causing water from snowmelt to pool near the foundation then seep into the basement.

Manage Snow and Ice
Leaving snow and ice on concrete surfaces can erode and weaken the material over time. Regularly shoveling snow from driveways, sidewalks and patios helps prevent ice buildup and protects the concrete from long-term damage.

Find more winter home maintenance tips and contact the pros for assistance by visiting GoThrasher.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (teens shoveling snow)
Photo courtesy of Thrasher Foundation Repair (contractor checking gutters)

SOURCE:
Thrasher Foundation Repair

(Family Features) Winter can bring plenty of opportunities for cozy gatherings with loved ones and these moments can be bright spots during cold months. However, sp ending more time indoors means more chances for respiratory viruses to spread.

Flu, COVID-19 and RSV viruses can make people sick enough that they need to go to the doctor or hospital.

“Getting sick from these viruses can happen more often in the winter months,” said Dr. Manisha Patel, chief medical officer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “This season’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the RSV vaccine, are the best way to avoid serious illness so people can spend time with friends and family.”

How Can You Protect Loved Ones?

Millions of people have already gotten vaccinated this fall or winter. In fact, more people are getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu this year compared to this time last year, according to the CDC. Vaccines are the best protection against serious illness. To help keep your loved ones healthy this winter, offer to take them to get vaccinated. Make sure they know it’s safe to get more than one vaccine at the same appointment.

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get flu and COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, everyone 75 and older – and those 60 and older with certain health conditions or who live in nursing homes – should get one dose of an RSV vaccine if they haven’t before. Pregnant people who are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant during the winter months should get an RSV vaccine to help protect their baby during the first 6 months.

Are Your Loved Ones at High Risk?

According to the CDC, some people face higher risks of getting very sick from respiratory viruses, including:

• People not up to date on their vaccines: Vaccines cut your risk of needing hospital care for flu or COVID-19 by about half. In 2023, 90% of adults admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 were not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. People who skipped their flu shot were twice as likely to need to visit a doctor for flu.
• Older people: Most flu, COVID-19 and RSV hospitalizations and deaths are in people ages 65 and older. If you help care for an older friend or loved one, let them know their risk for getting very sick from these viruses – and that vaccines can help protect them from needing to go to the hospital.
• Those who live in long-term care facilities: Respiratory viruses can spread among people in long-term care who may be older or have health conditions that raise their risk of severe flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
• Pregnant people: Getting flu and COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy provides protection against severe illness for you and your baby during their first 6 months. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also protects your baby from severe RSV in their first 6 months.

Urge Loved Ones to Get Vaccinated

Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are the best way for you – and your friends and family – to risk less and do more of what you enjoy this winter.

Visit cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore or talk to your doctor to learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. Visit vaccines.gov to find a nearby pharmacy.

Additional High-Risk Groups
In the U.S., some additional groups of people are at higher risk of respiratory viruses, according to the CDC.

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• People in rural parts of the country: People who live in rural areas face a higher risk of getting very sick from flu, COVID-19 and RSV. In these regions, less than half of adults got a flu vaccine last year. Fewer than 1 in 5 got an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Serious illness can be even more dangerous in rural areas with less available medical care.
• Black and Hispanic people: At the peak of last year’s respiratory virus season, Black people were more likely than white or Hispanic people to be hospitalized for flu, COVID-19 or RSV. By season’s end, Hispanic people were more likely than non-Hispanic white people to have been hospitalized for flu.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

(Family Features) As the colder winter weather settles in, rates of respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV can rise. These infections pose higher risks for older adults and can cause severe illness and hospitalization.

“We all like to gather indoors in the winter because of the cold weather,” said Kari Benson, deputy assistant secretary for aging at the Administration for Community Living. “But those gatherings are easy places for viruses to spread and for older adults to get sick. The good news is there are many ways for older people to lower their risk of serious illness.”

Here are some expert tips for older adults and caregivers from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Pan Respiratory Virus Public Education Campaign, Risk Less. Do More.

Get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Compared to 2023, vaccinations for flu and COVID-19 have increased among older adults. Vaccines are the best protection against serious illness and can cut a person’s risk of being hospitalized for flu or COVID-19 by about half and for RSV by about 70%. Most deaths from flu, COVID-19 and RSV are among people ages 65 and older, and this risk grows with age.

The 2024-25 flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for all people ages 6 months and older. RSV vaccines are recommended for anyone 75 and older as well as those 60 and older with certain health conditions or who live in nursing homes. Older adults and caregivers can talk to their doctors about which vaccines are right for them.

Try to avoid people who are sick. If family or friends you are planning to see aren’t feeling well, it’s best to reschedule or move your get-together outside. If you must be inside with someone who is sick, wear a mask and ask them if they will wear one, too. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. You can also improve ventilation by opening doors and windows and using fans.

Limit time spent at large, indoor events. Viruses can spread quickly in large crowds, especially indoors. Spending extended periods in crowded inside spaces – such as large restaurants or concert and sports venues – can be risky, especially if rates of flu, COVID-19 or RSV are high in your community. Consider skipping these events until rates go down or going to outdoor events instead, if possible.

Respiratory viruses can surge during the winter months. However, there are ways to lower your risk of severe illness and hospitalization. To learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV, go to cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore or talk to your doctor. Visit vaccines.gov to get started.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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SOURCE:
U.S. Department of Health and human Services