Is Your Home Ready for Winter’s Worst?

Westlake Ace Hardware shares easy ways to protect your home when temps plunge and the snow falls.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (January 21, 2026) – While winter weather is inevitable, frozen pipes and slippery sidewalks don’t have to be. To help people prepare for the worst that Mother Nature can toss their way, Westlake Ace Hardware recommends these tips to help keep pipes flowing, make driveways safer, and protect homes, pets, and families during freezing and snowy conditions.

“Winter weather can be unpredictable, but preparing your home doesn’t have to be complicated,” said Jennifer Schadegg, director of merchandising for Ace Retail Group, parent company of Westlake Ace Hardware. “Our helpful store associates are ready to guide customers through the process, making it easier to take a few simple steps — like insulating pipes, sealing drafts, and choosing the right snow and ice tools — to help prevent costly damage and keep families safe and comfortable when temperatures drop.”

Winter Weather Prep Tips

❄️ Protect Pipes & Plumbing

Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls by using foam insulation or insulating tape.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around plumbing.
Let faucets drip — both hot and cold — if pipes are prone to freezing.
Set thermostats no lower than 55°F when leaving town.
Winterize outdoor kitchens by shutting off water, draining lines, and adding drain-safe antifreeze — or install pipe-heating cable.
Pool and hot tub owners – keep pumps running while temperatures stay below freezing.
Don’t forget sprinkler systems — insulate pipes and backflow prevention devices.

❄️ Keep the Cold Outside (Where It Belongs)

Seal drafts with weather stripping around doors and windows.
Add a plastic window insulation kit for extra protection and energy savings.

❄️ Snow, Ice & Slip Prevention

Choose ice melt wisely. A little goes a long way because overapplying can harm lawns. Never use ice melt on concrete less than one year old.
Go pet-friendly. Products like Safe Step® Ice Melt are gentler on paws, lawns, and floors.
Get a grip! Use sandbox sand or kitty litter for traction on icy spots.
Spread it evenly. Use a broadcast spreader (the same one you use to spread fertilizer on your lawn) for driveways and a hand-held spreader for sidewalks.

❄️ Care for Pets & Wildlife

Bring outdoor pets inside when possible.
Use heated water bowls for dogs and birdbath heating elements to prevent freezing.

❄️ Plan for Power Outages

Build an emergency kit with flashlights, extra batteries, candles, matches, a battery-powered radio, bottled water, protein bars and other snacks, and a phone charging brick.

❄️ Stock Up Before the Storm

Have essentials on hand: Stock up on snow shovels, ice melt, sand, and windshield de-icer before the snow flies and the stores are crowded.

❄️ Be Road-Ready

Nothing is worse than waking up to a car covered with snow and ice. Save time by covering windshields with cardboard or a tarp.

Other wintertime essentials for any vehicle owner include lock de-icer, windshield fluid rated -30 degrees, and of course, a dependable ice scraper with a sturdy blade and a comfortable grip.