Though we haven’t yet gotten to Thanksgiving, many parts of the country are already experiencing winter storms. Now is a good time for getting ready for snow outside your home. You don’t want to be caught unprepared by the first big snowstorm.

Make sure that your gutters and down pipes are clean and free of debris. Consider putting up leaf guards so your gutters don’t get clogged. Check that the brackets on your gutters are strong enough to withstand the snow after it thaws and slides down the roof. Get a high quality snow shovel to use to clear your sidewalk and driveway. Be sure to remove moss from apex roofs and sidewalks. Purchase salt early and grit to defrost snow and ice on sidewalks around your home.

Part of getting ready for snow outside your home is making sure the interior is prepared, too. So, if you live in an area where temperatures can get quite cold, it's best to check your fuel supplies now and shop around if they’re low. Suppliers have to compete, so it’s worth it to take the extra time to shop around. Also check that your plumbing is properly insulated so it won’t freeze and burst. Get an emergency kit ready, too and stock it with flashlights and batteries and a good camp stove in case of power outages. Have containers ready to hold water in case your pipes freeze and make sure you keep your mobile devices charged at all times so that you can get help if you need it.