Winter Home Prep: Quick Checklist for Ruidoso Residents

Written By Kerry Gladden

Ruidoso, NM (Nov. 5, 2025) — Cold nights arrive fast in the mountains. Before the next freeze, run through this quick checklist: service your heat, seal drafts, winterize outdoor plumbing, clear gutters, and check safety devices.

  • Heating: Test systems • Clear debris • Change filters • Reverse ceiling fans • Program thermostats

  • Fireplace: Clean/check dampers • Stock firewood • Inspect chimney cap

  • Insulation/Drafts: Check drafts • Caulk/weather-strip • Remove A/C units • Close vents in unused rooms • Seal crawl space

  • Plumbing: Winterize sprinklers • Turn off outdoor spigots • Detach/drain hoses • Insulate pipes/faucets

  • Exterior: Store lawn gear/furniture/grills • Stage ice melt/sand/shovels/scrapers • Inspect roof • Clean gutters

  • Safety/Other: Test smoke/CO alarms • Bring in plants • Replace old extinguishers • Open under-sink doors on cold nights

Get the full, printable checklist and local winter resources on our Winter Home Prep page.

Kerry Gladden
Previous

Village of Ruidoso Launches Comprehensive Plan Update with Community Kickoff Meeting on November 18, 2025
Next

Ruidoso's Cops for Kids Program: Bringing Holiday Joy to Local Children on December 13, 2025