You’ve decked the halls, wrapped the gifts, and done your due diligence spreading that holiday cheer. Your home is filled with happiness and the laughter of your loved ones. It’s been a busy year of renovations and DIY home projects, all leading up to this special week, where you can cozy up with the people that matter most!! Why not carry that comfort and joy throughout the whole winter? With our helpful homeowner safety tips guide, you’ll be set all winter long to make even more happy memories at home. Check it out and ensure your home remains safe, secure, and maintained all season long.
Have an emergency backup plan for all disabled household members.
Make sure that you have extra backup supplies such as: a non-powered wheelchair and battery operated mobility aids, extra oxygen canisters, extra medication doses, battery-operated heated blankets and heating pads, a fully stocked first aid kit with basic pain relievers. Make sure all electronic devices remain fully charged as well as portable battery charge banks. Have multiple lists of emergency contacts including doctors and family members readily available, and one stashed inside the first aid kit. Ask your medical provider what to do in case of a power loss emergency for any life-saving medical equipment you may require.
Check all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
While it’s a good idea to check these items every few months, you should be maintaining them at least once per year. Inspect the smoke/carbon monoxide detectors for expiration dates and replace them if necessary; for carbon monoxide detectors this is every 2 to 5 years, while smoke detectors are every 7 to 10 years. Make sure you replace the batteries in each device when you check them. CO poisoning risk increases during winter months, so you should install an alarm in every room to be efficient. ***Remember to never warm your car up inside your garage, yes even if the door is open. Doing so can release dangerous carbon monoxide and trap it within your home; warm up vehicles and gasoline powered appliances like snow blowers and tractors/plows outside only! Likewise, do not run a power generator indoors, ensure that it is installed outdoors and with space away from doors and windows.
Clean out all vents and exhaust fans in the home and replace all air filters.
You should perform annual maintenance on all vents in your home. You can find these most generally in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and attics. Check them all thoroughly to clear them of dust, debris, and lint including dryers, return/supply air vents, bathroom exhaust fans, and kitchen exhaust fans. These items may be hidden behind drop-ceilings or in maintenance closets. You can hire a professional cleaning service if you recently purchased a new home and find that they have not been maintained by previous owners. You should check the air filters monthly, and swap them out for new ones to keep the air clear and save on energy costs.
Clean your chimney, fireplace, furnace, water heater, and firepits.
Fireplaces and blocked chimneys are one of hte leading causes of housefires, as well as being a source of carbon monoxide poisoning. Prevent catastrophy by having them professionally cleaned and cleared of debris and blockages. Clear any excess debris and dried foliage from your fire pit, ensure it is clear of bare branches, and place the pit a safe distance from your home before using. Your water heater and furnace should be drained and cleaned by a professional as needed on an annual basis.
Monitor all usage of candles, space heaters, and portable warmers.
Make sure all portable warmers and space heaters have an at least 3 foot radius clear around them. Thoroughly inspect all ceramic electric wall heaters before mounting to ensure there is no chance of shorts which can cause fire. Clear all electric baseboard heaters of any curtains, bedding, pillows, boxes, etc. Avoid utilizing an oven to heat your home; gas ovens can cause carbon monoxide poisining and electrical ovens can cause a fire hazard as well and run up your electric bill significantly. When lighting holiday candles, keep at least a 1 foot radius clear from each. Opt for rechargeable battery powered flashlights and LED lights instead of decorative or emergency candles.
Check all lighting outside the home.
As the weather grows colder and the days grow shorter, it’s important to ensure the exterior of your home is properly lit. Use LEDs to save on energy costs without sacrificing brightness. We highly recommend installing motion sensor lights with timers, as well as smart lights which you can operate remotely and program onto a schedule. Make sure all walkways and paths are well-lit with spotlights or solar lights.
Check the roof and skylights for signs of wear and tear.
Remember to replace any broken or torn roofing tiles to ensure that your home can be properly temperature maintained. This will also help prevent leaks from winter rain, ice damage, and snow accumulation. Ensure the gutters and roof have been properly cleared of debris and detritus which can cause clogs when ice and snow build up. Trim any low-hanging branches that may be touching the roof or looming over it; tree branches can be a major source of damage to homes when weighed down with significant snowfall and ice. When hanging holiday lights, avoid mounting them directly to gutters to reduce weight from pulling them down.
Stock up on sand, gravel, animal-safe salt, and kitty litter by all entrances and exits.
Reduce risk of injury and prevent falls from slippery conditions by having easily accessible traction control options. Shoveling as soon as possible after the snow stops ensures that it will be much easier and lighter to remove, and prevents significant ice build-up. Toss a layer of kitty litter or sand down on icy surfaces to increase traction while you’re waiting for the ice melt to work its magic. Ensure you have a back-saver shovel nearby as well, or retrieve them from garages or sheds before inclement weather hits that day.
Winterize outdoor water sources and insulate the pipes.
You can invest in specialized insulation for outdoor pipes and faucets in any unheated spaces. Indoor spaces which are unused or homes which are closed up for winter should be maintained at a minimum 55F to 60F degrees to prevent burst pipes, and main living spaces at a minimum of 68F-70F degrees. Make sure you disconnect all exterior hoses, sprinklers and outdoor slop sinks/faucets and close off the interior shut-off valves which connect them. Any interior pipes that are against exterior walls will also need insulating. During extreme deep freezes, you can allow water to gently drip from indoor faucets to help alleviate frozen pipe issues. You can also open cabinet and closet doors to allow them to acclimate to the rest of the interior temperature and get proper air flow. You can keep analogue thermometers in various places of your home in case the power goes out to monitor safe winter temperatures.
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