安大略省的冬季非常寒冷，做好這6個基本步驟，確保您的房子準備好迎接長達數月的寒冷冬季，讓您的家保持溫暖，舒適與安全。
Winter in Ontario can be unforgiving, but a well-prepared home can provide a cozy retreat from the cold. Here are five essential steps to ensure your abode is ready to face the icy onslaught.
1. 煙霧感應器與一氧化碳探測器
特別是冬季，當取暖系統頻繁使用時，需要確保您的煙霧感應器和一氧化碳探測器是否能正常工作，檢查是否需要更換電池等，以防範火災和一氧化碳危險。
1. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety comes first. Ensure your detectors are functioning properly to safeguard against potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards, especially with the increased use of heating systems during winter.
2. 鏟雪工具和防滑用品
安省的雪暴絕對是一項挑戰。準備好您的鏟雪機、鐵鍬和其他鏟雪設備；提前備好防滑材料，例如像鹽或沙子這樣的材料，使車道和行人道上的冰能加速融化，讓您的家門前保持暢通無阻。
2. Prepare for Snow Removal
Ontario’s snowfall is no joke. Have your snow blowers, shovels, and other snow removal equipment ready, along with materials like salt or sand to manage ice.
3. 房屋排水系統
延伸房屋的排水管道，使雪水能夠從房屋的地基排出，這樣可以有效防止因大量雪水融化可能導致的水損害，確保家中不受潮濕影響，保持乾燥和舒適。
3. Gutter Extensions
Direct water away from the foundation with gutter extensions to prevent potential water damage as snow melts and spring rains arrive.
4. 應急物資準備
冬季偶有暴風雪襲來，我們都應該有所準備。儲存必備的物資，如飲用水、不易腐爛的食物、應急醫療包、手電筒、蠟燭以及保暖毯等，以因應突發性的斷電或惡劣天氣導致難以外出的情況。
4. Emergency Preparedness
Winter storms can be unpredictable. Keep a stock of essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, medicines, and blankets to stay prepared for unexpected severe weather.
5. 保持通風口暢通
確保家中的每一個通風口保持暢通；檢查室外的通風口是否被冰雪堵塞，以防止一氧化碳在室內積聚，促進安全的室內環境。
5. Keep Vents Clear
Ensure all vents, both indoors and outdoors, are clear from snow and ice to allow proper ventilation and prevent carbon monoxide accumulation, promoting a safe indoor environment.
6. 排空室外管道
及時將室外管道、灌溉系統和軟管中的水排空，以防止冬季管道凍裂的麻煩。在季節交替初霜降臨前，及時切斷水管，關閉室外供水，並保養您的灌溉系統，以避免昂貴的維修費用。
6. Drain the pipes
Drain water from outdoor pipes, sprinklers, and hoses to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Disconnect hoses, shut off exterior water sources, and empty your sprinkler system before the first frost to avoid costly repairs.
完成這6個基本步驟，將有助於您的家為冬季做好準備，使您在一年中最寒冷的月份感到安全和舒適，讓您的家為迎接冬天做好充分準備！
These essential steps will help ensure your home is well-prepared for the Ontario winter, promoting both safety and comfort during the chilliest months of the year. So, gear up and get your home winter-ready!