Our minds instinctively go home when the snow is blowing or the wind is roaring. On a windy day, is there anything more satisfying than returning home? However, there are several home safety risks you should be aware of as the temperature drops in addition to shorter days and difficult journeys. To keep your house safe and toasty during the winter, consider the following advice:
Prevent electrical issues
When the weather becomes cold, the last thing you want is for your heating system to malfunction. Examine the exterior of your house for a while. Birds and other animals may be attracted to dryer vents and electrical fittings. Verify that no nests from the previous spring or summer remain, since these might present a fire threat.
Ascertain adequate ventilation
All year round, a carbon monoxide detector is essential, but it might be particularly crucial when the heat is on and your home is locked off. Since carbon monoxide has no smell, be aware of the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and disorientation. In addition to keeping your HVAC system operating efficiently, changing your furnace filter once a month will also help allergy sufferers breathe a bit easier.
Make sure all of the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms are in good operating condition while you're at it. Your chance of starting a fire is decreased if you keep this spotless and clear of debris.
Avoid being near water
Frozen pipes may be a serious hazard when the temperature truly starts to drop. Insulated pipes should run along external walls, and you should periodically clear your gutters of debris since icicles may be a sign that water is accumulating in an unwelcome area. When the really cold weather arrives, make sure all garden hoses are disconnected and exterior spigots are completely dry. A little forward planning may go a long way toward helping you prepare your house for the winter.
Maintain a clear driveway and sidewalk
What about your home's exterior? You, your family, and complete strangers' safety greatly depends on keeping your driveway and walkways free of snow and ice! Before the first snowflake appears, make sure your snowblower and other equipment are in good working order. You should also clear your driveway and pathways as quickly as possible after a storm. Apply ice melt or rock salt to walks thereafter to guarantee a property free of trips, falls, and slides.
Combat germs
