Ice, snow and wind can have devastating consequences on your home. The time to winterize is when the leaves begin to turn and not when the snow begins to fall.
Homeowners should take the following precautions-
Maintain gutters:
Remove leaves, acorns, sticks and other debris from gutters so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can prevent "ice damming"–a condition where water is unable to properly drain through the gutters and instead seeps into the house causing water to drip from the ceiling and walls.
You may also consider installing gutter guards. Available in most hardware and home stores, gutter guards are screens that prevent debris from entering the gutter and direct the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.
Gutters and downspouts:
Wayward water is one of a home's biggest enemies—especially rainwater that is shed off the roof of an average home. When allowed to collect at the perimeter of a foundation, excessive water can result in a damp and musty basement or cause foundation movement that produces cracks over windows and doors.
If your home doesn't have gutters and downspouts, install them. If it does, be sure they are clean before heavy rains begin. Consider installing a gutter protection system to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging gutters.    
Drainage:
Having clean gutters and downspouts is only piece of the water damage prevention puzzle. A mistake that many make is to allow downspouts to discharge at the base of the foundation. This condition is worse than not having gutters at all due to the high concentration of water. To avoid this problem, downspouts should discharge into a subsurface drainage system and into a municipal storm drain or other water-collection facility. Further minimize ponding around the foundation by ensuring that all soil immediately surrounding the house is graded to drain away from the foundation.
Roofing:
 
The time to discover you have a leaking roof should not be during the middle of a rain storm. Replace damaged shingles, patch damaged flashing and remove surface debris to facilitate proper watershed and prevent leaks. Binoculars provide a means of inspecting shingles and flashings without getting on the roof.
In order for any ventilation system to work, both intake and exhaust vents must be installed.  When properly installed, the ventilation system will allow fresh air to enter the home while sending other air outside.