Sunday's winter storm was a doozy. A lot of snow came down in a hurry, and winds and drifting caused major problems across the Stateline.

I stepped outside my house last night, saw this, and thought, "Crap. This can't be good".

Shannon ZImmerman, Townsquare Media
Shannon ZImmerman, Townsquare Media
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Turns out, messed up gutters and a nearly broken bush would have been the least of our problems if I hadn't of seen this from Ogle County Breaking News on Facebook...

We have a high-efficiency furnace, and although the vents weren't blocked, they were too close for comfort. Thank you, Ogle County Breaking News for nearly making me pee my pants and for saving my family from a potential danger!

Since we're on the subject of winter safety and potential danger we may not be aware of, here are a few other things to check around your home:

  • Make sure the area around your mailbox and porches are cleared and safe for postal workers and package deliverers.
  • If you have a fire hydrant in your yard, make sure a 3 feet radius around the hydrant is cleared of snow and ice in case firefighters need to access it in a hurry.
  • Don't be like me...check for icicles and drifted snow hanging from your home's gutters. They can be extremely dangerous for visitors...and your wallet.

Catch Lil Zim on ‘Q98.5 Mornings with Lil Zim & JB’ on Q98.5 from 5:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow her on TwitterInstagram, and Facebook

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