For many people, winter is a magical season filled with family fun and special holidays. However, there is no denying that, for amby of us, the winter weather can also be a problem, particularly when it comes to keeping our homes safe and secure and our families warm. That’s why it’s a good idea to do whatever you can to keep your home safe this coming winter.
The good news is, we’ve put together some simple tips that will help you keep your home and family safe and secure this winter, come what may…
Winter-proof your pipes.
One of the biggest issues homeowners face over the winter is often freezing pipes which then burst and flood the property while leaving the family without access to the water they require.
Luckily, this is is, for the most part, quite easy to avoid if you simply take the time to winter-proof your pipes. How do you do that? Start by disconnecting any hoses that you have connected to exterior taps, drain any water that is remaining from your sprinkler system and apricots, and then wrap your pipes with insulation foam to prevent them from freezing over. This won’t work 100 percent of the time, but unless you have an extremely harsh winter, it should be pretty effective.
Make any necessary roof repairs.
If you don’t want to be dealing with drafts, and even worse, floods and leaks this winter, then you’re going to want to get up there and inspect your roof to ensure that it is free from holes, missing tiles, and any other issues that could cause rain to get in or tiles to be blown about, where they could hit someone or something and do serious damage, in the winter months. If you aren’t sure what you’re looking for a roofing professional or handyman should be able to take a look for you, but you absolutely should not skip your roof inspection ahead of winter.
Oh, and while we’re on the subject of roofs, if it happens to snow where you are this winter, you need to be sure to get up there and regularly remove any drifts that have settled on your roof. Snow is surprisingly heavy and if you let it build-up, it could end up collapsing your roof which would obviously be pretty dangerous for you and your family.
Clean your vents.
If you have lots of vented appliances, like cookers or fireplaces – you can click here to learn the difference between vented and unvented appliances – it is vital that you take the time to clean your vents to ensure there are absolutely no obstructions that could cause potentially toxic fumes to collect in your home. Most of us are home more using appliances like fireplaces and cookers more in winter, so it is not surprising that carbon monoxide poisoning and other similar issues are more frequently reported in the winter. Don’t be a victim and get those vents cleaned!
Stock up on power cut supplies.
When winter weather gets really bad, there is always a chance that the power will go out, and if that happens you want to ensure that your family is as safe as possible. The best way to do this is by stocking up on supplies like a generator, solar-powered chargers, candles, and maybe even a hand-cranked radio so you can keep abreast of what is going on if you aren’t able to get online due to adverse conditions. Hopefully, you won’t need them, but it’s always good to have a box of emergency power cur supplies in a box in the garage should they be required.
Repair or install outdoor lighting.
It’s pretty dark for a lot of the day in winter, which means trips, slips and falls tend to be more common – the weather conditions play a factor in that too. So, if you don’t already have good outdoor lighting, now is the time to think about installing some so that all of your family can find their way safely from the drive into the home without the risk of tripping, falling down the steps, or whatever. If you do have outdoor lighting installed already, check that it’s in good working order, replace bulbs, and ensure that you always have lights available to show you the way.
Think about installing roof heating cables.
Roof heating cables are great because they melt any snow and ice which collects on your roof. This prevents icicles and ice dams from forming because although they can look pretty sparkling in the winter sun, they can actually do a lot of damage to the structure and integrity of your home. They can also pose a risk should they fall from the roof and hit a child or pet, for example.
Invest in a snowblower.
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow in the winter, it is a really good idea to invest in a snowblower, which will help you to keep your driveway clear so that you are all less likely to slip., or end up having an accident in the car. Of course, you could just use a snow shovel, but they are harder work, and the longer you are out in the snow clearing the path, the more likely you are to fall over and hurt yourself! Once you’ve cleared the snow, spread a little rock salt, and hopefully, that will prevent the formation of any ice, which could be even more dangerous than the snow you’ve just removed!
Keep things clean.
Winter is a time for bugs and viruses to thrive, so it is important you keep your home as clean as possible during this time, especially due to the added threat of coronavirus. Regularly sanitize door handles and high traffic areas, and maintain your regular cleaning regime on top of that. You may also want to open the windows as much as possible to let fresh air in too – it might be bracing, but it is really good for you.
Stay safe this winter!
Mia Guerra
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