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12 Winter Tips for Homeowners to Stay Safe
As the snow begins to fall, it’s important to proof your home to keep your family safe all year long. This is especially important when it comes to keeping the harsh winter wind and elements out of your home.
Here are 12 winter tips for homeowners to keep your family warm and safe all winter long!
Double-Check Your Heating System
You should hire an expert to double-check the heating system in your home before the winter begins. You should also have your house’s furnace and thermostats to ensure that everything is in working order. If you have a water heater, you should inspect it for leaks or signs of moisture loss.
Test Your Smoke Detectors
Did you know that it is generally recommended to check your smoke detectors at least once a month?1 If you haven’t thought about checking your smoke detectors, the winter time is especially important to check if they are working. Many homeowners will be using fireplaces, plugging in extra decorations, and trying new appliances they received as gifts, and it’s important that your smoke detectors are working in case of an emergency.
Clean the Gutters
The gutters of your home are important to clean because they will prevent leaks from the excess water that can come in the winter time. Leaves, sticks, dirt, trash, and other debris can get stuck in the gutters of your home over time. This task should be done before the snow comes, and if you can’t do it yourself, it is recommended to hire someone to do it for you.
Check the Seals on Windows
Many windows, especially older ones, may have cracks or do not properly keep out all of the harsh winter drafts. It’s important to check the seals on your windows to ensure that they can keep the harsh weather out of your home. Your windows may need to be replaced if you need to redo the seals.
Take Care of Patio Furniture
Your patio furniture is enjoyed in the summer and autumn months; however, the snow and ice can cause damage to it if you don’t cover your furniture properly. It is recommended that you store patio furniture in the garage or follow the instructions on how to cover the furniture for the winter months.
Trim Tree Branches
If you have trees close to your home, it’s important for you to trim the tree branches to prevent them from accidentally falling and damaging your home. Snowstorms and high winds can knock tree branches into your house, causing damage.
Get a Roof Inspection
It’s important for you to get an annual roof inspection on your home in case the snow and water might damage it. A roof inspection can also help you catch problems early on and help you weatherize the roof to keep your home safe throughout the year.
Check Your Plumbing
It’s important for you to check your plumbing before the winter season to ensure that your pipes don’t freeze or leak during the colder weather. It’s important for you to properly seal your pipes to prevent cold air from getting inside and freezing the water in your home. If you don’t plan on using your hose outside, you should plan on unplugging it and draining the water for the winter months.
Stock Up
During the winter, there is a possibility of snowstorms that could box you and your family inside for a few days. It’s important for you to stock up on food that you can eat in case of a storm that leaves you unable to go to the grocery store. You should also have some emergency supplies, such as toiletries, water, and other necessities in case.
Clean the Chimney
Your chimney should be inspected before the winter time, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve checked it. You should hire an expert if you need someone to check hard to get to places. Make sure to check for air leaks or obstructions that could block the flow of smoke.
Properly Turn off Sprinklers
It’s important that you properly turn off the sprinklers in your garage, or the pipes might freeze overnight. Each sprinkler has its own instructions on how to drain and ensure that they are properly turned off for the colder months.
Winter Clothes
Homeowners should go through their winter clothes and make sure that they have enough for the season. Clothes that have holes, no longer fit, or are worn out should be discarded and replaced with new items. Go through all the clothing items with your family, and make sure everyone has enough to bundle up for the cold weather.
Saber Healthcare
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Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.