The seasons are changing and as the days get shorter, it’s time to ready your home for the coming winter season. These seven winter safety tips will help you stay warm and safe.
1. Winterize Your Pipes
Use foam, heating cables, or pipe sleeves to ensure pipes stay warm enough, and seal any cracks in your home’s exterior.
M-D Weather Stripping Tube Insulation
- Polyethylene foam
- Energy efficient
- Usable on hot or cold pipes
- Stops condensation and water damage
During the winter, outside water can freeze and burst exterior pipes. Take precautions to prevent frozen pipes by disconnecting all garden hoses and draining any water left in outdoor spigots. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, drain it as well.
If temperatures will drop below freezing overnight, leave exterior faucets trickling to avoid the pressure buildup that causes burst pipes. You can also avoid frozen and burst pipes inside your house by insulating your home and pipes.
2. Inspect Your Roof
Before the first snowfall, check your roof for damaged, loose, or missing shingles that may leak when snow melts or during severe storms. Make sure seals around chimneys and vent stacks are intact as well. If they aren’t, you can make repairs yourself or hire a handyman.
Regularly clear your roof of snow this season. And remove all leaves, pine needles, and other roof debris as these can hold moisture and rot during winter weather if left unattended.
As the temperatures drop this season, it’s also smart to double-check your homeowners insurance coverage regarding roof repair, water damage, and other risks associated with bad weather.
3. Prepare for Power Outages
Heavy snow and ice can take down power lines and leave you in the cold and dark. To prepare for power outages, invest in a two-way radio for news concerning the power outage—look for one that uses solar power, batteries, or a hand crank. A hand-crank or solar-powered cellphone charger can keep you in touch with family, friends, and neighbors until the storm passes.
Epica Digital Emergency Solar Hand Crank
- 3-LED flashlight
- 3-band radio
- Smartphone-charging capabilities
You’ll also want to invest in a generator, alongside flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries.
In addition to these gadgets, keep warm clothing, blankets, non-perishable food, and bottled water in an emergency kit for bad weather emergencies.
Pro Tip
4. Repair Outdoor Lighting
Winter days are short, which means you spend more time in the dark. Maintain a well-lit path to your home by ensuring outdoor lights work and fixtures are firmly secured.
Philips Hue LED Smart Bulb Starter Kit
- Dimmable bulbs
- Compatible With Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, and Google Assistant
Replace outdoor lightbulbs to guarantee strong lighting throughout the whole season. You may even consider using motion sensor lights or smartbulbs that you can automate and control with your smartphone.
5. Prevent Icicles and Ice Dams
Icicles look enchanting, but they present risk of injury and ice dams—which damage the outside of your home and cause meltwater to get inside. Ice dams occur when there are air leaks in your home or inadequate insulation in your attic.
Prime Wire & Cable Roof & Gutter De-icing Kit Roof Heating Cable
- Promotes water flow in gutters and downspouts
- Prevents damage from ice dams
- Spans 30 feet
Consider asking a professional to identify and correct these potential problems before it’s too late. Another preventative measure is to opt for roof heating cables.
If you already have icicles on your home, there’s no need to be a hero. Hiring a professional to remove them is the safest route. If you do attempt DIY removal, wear a hardhat and safety glasses, and always warn children to avoid icicles.
6. Keep Your Driveway and Walkways Clear
During winter weather conditions, remove snow and ice from sidewalks and driveways. Prepare for snow by stocking up on snow shovels and giving your snowblower or plow a tune-up.
Snow Joe Melt-2-Go Nature + Pet Friendly Ice Melter
- 10–25 lb. bag range
- Anti-corrosion CMA formula
- Safe for concrete or metal
After it snows, immediately plow or shovel all trafficked areas. If you go the shoveling route, invest in an ergonomic handle, lift with your legs (not your back), and push snow rather than lift it. Take frequent breaks away from the wind chill to let your body warm up and your muscles relax.
Follow up with ice melt or rock salt on steps and walkways to prevent ice buildup. Always wear protective clothing like gloves and hats to prevent frostbite.
7. Fight Germs
Illnesses thrive in winter months, and being cooped up inside makes everyone more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. Keep your family safe by going on the offense against germs and letting in fresh air whenever possible. Keep your house a little cooler so the environment is less friendly for viruses—drop the thermostat by five degrees and use a humidifier.
Make sure everyone in your household washes their hands frequently with antibacterial soap and regularly changes their toothbrushes.
Conclusion
The winter season brings cold weather and long nights. You can’t keep it from coming, but with these home winter safety tips you’re set to stay safe and enjoy this winter like a pro.
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Aricle source here: Winter Home Safety Guide
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