While the chilly weather may calm some people down, the winter elements can wreak havoc on your health and home’s safety. Cold temperatures and winter storms are dangerous. You need to plan and be proactive in keeping your family and your home safe. Here are some home safety tips you need to follow during the colder months:
Check the Heating Systems
One of the first things you might do is to turn up the heat. But before you do that, you need to check the heating systems first. You should get a professional to service your heating systems to ensure it is functional and clean.
If you have a chimney and fireplace, you should get them inspected and cleaned to avoid house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you install a fire detector as well if you do not already own one. Try to have alternative fuels and heating sources available just in case the other ones do not work in the dead of winter.
Snow Removal
While a blanket of snow in front of your home may look nice, it will make it a struggle for you to leave home. Snow can cause people to slip or simply be stuck inside their homes. While you could try your hand at getting rid of the snow yourself, it could easily take hours and tons of energy out of you. It would be best for you to find a company that offers a professional snow plow service in Grande Prairie to clear the snow in your front yard.
Winterize the Home
While you may be bundling yourself in jackets to protect yourself from the cold, your home needs extra protection, too. Check out your roof to see if any roof leaks needing repair. You should also clean out your gutters and point the downspouts away from your house. You could replace your old windows with storm windows or simply apply caulk and weatherstripping. Do not forget to insulate any pipes that run along your exterior walls and let cold water drip from faucets to avoid frozen pipes.
Prep Your Car
Like your home, your car should be ready for the cold weather. Maintain your car’s antifreeze or coolant level and service its radiator. You should also check your tire tread. It’s best to equip your car with snow tires to enhance your drive and safety during the coldest day. You do not want to get ice in your fuel lines and tank, so be sure your gas tank stays full. Do not forget to get a wintertime formula for the windshield washer.
Prepare for Emergencies
In case you get a weather-related emergency, like a power outage, you ought to have everything you need. Make sure you have water stocked up in clean containers and non-perishable foods that do not need to be refrigerated or cooked. You should also prepare an emergency kit that contains essentials such as battery-operated devices, first-aid kit, and extra batteries. Be sure you get all the essentials ready for all members. For instance, if you own a cat, you may want to keep extra cat food on hand.
It is crucial to be prepared before the frost of winter hits. Follow the winter safety tips above to stay safe once winter arrives.
