Fall Prep 101: Securing Remote Property Before Winter

Fall Prep 101: Securing Remote Property Before Winter

Owning remote property comes with plenty of rewards—privacy, open space, and a place to escape the bustle of daily life. But it also comes with challenges, especially as fall gives way to winter. Shorter days, unpredictable weather, and limited access can make it hard to keep your land safe and secure. A little fall prep now can save you big headaches later.

Here’s a checklist to help you get your remote property winter-ready—and keep an eye on it from afar.

1. Inspect Fences and Gates

Walk your property boundaries before the first snow. Look for sagging posts, broken wire, or debris that could weaken fencing during high winds. Make sure gates open and close smoothly—frozen or damaged hinges are no fun to deal with in January.

Tip: Position a Barn Owl camera at main gates or along fence lines to check for downed posts, trespassers, or livestock activity without driving out in bad weather.

2. Clear Access Roads and Culverts

Check driveways, trails, and culverts for blockages. Fallen leaves and branches can clog drainage and cause water to pool, leading to icy patches or washouts later. If you rely on one road in and out, consider adding gravel now before freeze-thaw cycles set in.

Tip: A camera trained on low-water crossings or key road junctions helps you know if you’ll need a tractor—or if the road is clear—before making the trip.

3. Secure Buildings and Equipment

Inspect sheds, barns, or cabins for gaps where snow or critters might sneak in. Make sure doors and windows seal properly, and store equipment under cover. A little extra weatherproofing can save tools, ATVs, or tractors from costly damage.

Tip: Use Barn Owl cameras as a remote security system—check your property anytime from your phone, and receive alerts if there’s unexpected activity.

4. Winterize Water Systems

Drain irrigation lines, insulate exposed pipes, and check wells or cisterns for leaks. If you use tanks or pumps, protect them with covers or enclosures to keep freezing temps from cracking valves or fittings.

Tip: Place a camera near tanks or pumps so you can verify they’re intact without a trip in the snow.

5. Prepare for Wildlife Season

Fall is active for deer, elk, and predators moving through rural areas. While that can make for great wildlife viewing, it can also mean downed fences or damage near feeding areas.

Tip: Barn Owl cameras double as wildlife monitors—capture movement patterns and keep tabs on how animals are using your land this season.

Staying Connected After You Leave

Even the best fall prep won’t prevent every problem. Storms roll in, wildlife moves, and equipment can shift. That’s why having reliable remote monitoring makes all the difference. Barn Owl cameras are designed for rural properties—easy to set up, affordable, and built to run on cellular networks where Wi-Fi doesn’t reach.

With cameras in place, you can:

  • Check conditions in real time from your phone.

  • Get alerts if something changes.

  • Save yourself long trips for simple checks.

Fall prep is about peace of mind—and Barn Owl helps extend that peace of mind all winter long.

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