Winter is in full swing, and depending which part of the world that you live in, you are likely to be experiencing some winter weather too. From snow and ice, to storms and hail, the weather in winter can be fun in ways, but also pretty dangerous in a number of other ways. The days are shorter too, meaning much less daylight. So taking some time to ‘winterize’ your home can be a really good idea. Taking on board some safety tips for winter can make sure that you are all looked after and all kept safe over the winter months; it is never too late. So here are some things that you can be doing to help.
Check Pipes
When the weather is a couple of degrees below zero, it is going to mean that many pipes get frozen. The water in pipes can freeze and then crack or make the pipes explode a the ice hardens. But there are a few things that you can do to make sure that this doesn’t happen to you. For starters, disconnecting any garden hoses from an outside tap is a good idea. Then drain the water out of the hose so that can’t get cracked and damaged by leftover water freezing inside it. Any automatic sprinkler systems should be drained as well. For other pipes, especially internal ones, it can be a good idea to insulate them as much as possible. Layers of foam can help, as well as more modern methods like heating pipes, to keep them a regular temperature and stop them from freezing over.
Inspect Roof
With the extra precipitation that occurs at this time of year, you want to make sure that there are no issues with your roof. If there are, then it can lead to leaks into the home, which can lead onto structural issues, as well as things like mold on the walls. Check for any loose shingles or tiles, and look for missing ones; have them replaced as soon as you can, simply because the damage can be quite high if not. Clearing gutters, and the roof of things like leaves or pine needles can be a good idea, so that they don’t get stuck, clog things up, or get frozen themselves!
Clean the Chimney
If you have a chimney then this is the time of year that it is going to get most use. So you will want to make sure that you are using it in the safest and best way possible. For example, sites like Capitol Chimney Sweeping talk about the highly flammable creosote which is a side effect of smoke up a chimney. If you have any up the chimney, it can start to smell bad. Not only that but it can lead to some toxic fumes into your home if you keep using your fire but not cleaning out the chimney. So checking out the whole fireplace and making sure that it is clean and all working well, can mean a nice cozy fireplace over winter, as well as a nice clean, safe, and healthy one too.
Emergency Pack
Snow storms and ice can mean that in some parts of the country, it can be hard to get out and about. That or it can be hard to get back home when you’re stuck somewhere. Which is why having an emergency pack is a good idea. It is a good thing all year round, but particularly in winter. Keeping a stash of batteries and flashlights is a good idea, as well as candles and matches. A radio that you can hand crank is a good idea in case of a power outage, as well as a list of the emergency phone numbers that you need. Extra layers like blankets is a good idea too, as well as some cash, and a supply of food. Keep things like this at home, as well a in the car, and you’ll be able to make sure that you are as safe as possible over the winter months.
Repair Outdoor Lights
The days are short in winter, meaning that there is so much more darkness over those months. And in order to be kept as safe as possible, having working outdoor lighting is a must. It can mean that you are able to safely park up and get to your door, without tripping on something as you’ll be able to see, as well as helping keep your home secure from things like burglary, as outdoor lighting can make them more visible.