Home owners know that a little preparation one early Fall Saturday afternoon can dramatically help you weather the affects of a winter storm this season. Being ready for a storm is just as important as being ready for a natural disaster or other emergency. Frigid temperatures or excessive moisture can have an adverse affect on both your home and your family if proper care is not taken early.

Below are some helpful steps to take to get your home or business ready for inclement weather this season.

Cleaning your gutters during autumn before the cold and rain sets in is an easy way to protect yourself from problems later in the year. Keep your gutters clean so that they can function properly, keeping your basement dry, your roof in good shape and your foundation solid.

Trim away dead branches that could break when weighed down with winter ice and snow. These broken branches can take down power lines or damage your home or vehicle if they were to fall unexpectedly. Some pruning projects are just too large for individuals, so don't hesitate to contact an arborist for a professional opinion.

Wrapping your water pipes, especially in homes and businesses around the U.S. that see very low temperatures for long-periods of time, will decrease your chances of one bursting, potentially resulting in thousands of dollars in damage. Newspapers can be wrapped around pipes to block out the cold and covering the newspaper with plastic will block out moisture. Experts also recommend leaving your faucet dripping to encourage flow when temperatures drop dramatically.

Make sure your draftiest areas have proper insulation, like the attic and upstairs rooms. Properly installed insulation reduces the amount of heat that escapes your home.

Windows are a major location for heat loss in a home or office. Install storm windows to provide an additional later of insulation. The second layer of glass in storm windows creates a strip of still air, which prevents heat from escaping.

Caulking and weather-stripping can save energy and money by keeping heat in, boosting the efficiency of your home's heating system. It also reduces the likelihood of water seeping into your basement or attic causing water damage.

Even the best-insulated homes with properly wrapped pipes and clean gutters may still be susceptible to some winter storms. Know your area's history of natural disasters and recall the issues you ran into last year related to damages. Then plan accordingly.

Flood plain areas, or low elevation areas increase the likelihood that rising water will reach and/or damage homes, especially during spring thaws. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance, which is not included in most home owners insurance policies. Ask your insurance agent about the National Flood Insurance Program if your home is in a flood plain.

These basics winter storm preparation steps will help you save money, stay dry, keep warm and worry less this winter season.