Kids may not always agree, but snow can be a real bummer for homeowners—not to mention the increasingly cold weather that comes with the winter season. The weather conditions of wintertime are hassles to deal with, but they don’t have to become hindrances or safety hazards. The good news is, you can prepare for the winds of change that come with winter before they blow you over. Read on for a general list of the very best winter safety tips for your home.
Clear Away Snow, Ice, and Icicles
This tip is a standard routine or habit for people who live in areas that receive an abundance of snow and ice storms. Keeping your family, neighbors, and any other passersby safe is exceedingly important. Clearing snow is a responsibility for everyone’s safety, so keep ice and snow off walkways, sidewalks, and driveways. Have salt on hand and use it well, not just sparingly to last the entire season. Large, long icicles are neat to look at, but they present a potential safety hazard if they fall on someone. Remove them cautiously with the proper safety equipment, or reach out to a professional for help.
Be Cautious with Space Heaters
To save money on bills during the season, or when the furnace just doesn’t cut it, many people turn to alternative heating methods. However, one of the best winter safety tips for your home is to remain cautious with these alternative heaters. Space heaters can cause fires or burns when you don’t set precautions in place. When utilizing a space heater, don’t leave it unattended or place it close to other objects.
Secure Your Fireplace or Stove
Fireplaces are also wonderful alternative heating methods, but you also need to use them responsibly. Fireplaces are naturally the most likely fire-starters within your home. If you have a fireplace, maintain it continually and correctly for safety purposes, and have it inspected prior to the start of the winter season.
For people with traditional fireplaces, the chimneys must be cleaned of built-up soot to allow air to properly flow through. With safety as a top priority, you need to annually inspect wood fireplaces and stoves in particular for functionality and damage. Staying vigilant and on top of any potential dangers to you, your family, and your home this coming season is the key to staying as safe and warm as possible.
