Winter is in full swing. With cold temps and snow on the way, you’re likely to spend a lot of time in your home. How can you ensure that home is safe for you and your family? You can start with these 5 winter home safety tips.
1. Test Smoke Detectors
The chance for fire is much higher during the winter months. Your smoke detectors provide a critical warning of danger. Test all of your smoke detectors by pressing the test button on the unit. Replace batteries as needed. If you have older smoke detectors, consider upgrading to new ones with 10 year sealed batteries. This is actually the new standard according to Massachusetts law.
2. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon Monoxide detectors are also required by Massachusetts law, yet few homes seem to have them. Carbon monoxide can be emitted by appliances in your home such as your heating system. Given that it is an odorless and colorless gas, the only way to warn of dangerous CO levels is with a detector. Be sure to place them on all living levels of your home and particularly near bedrooms.
3. Service Heating Systems
The minimize the potential for a heating system malfunction, having your system services yearly by a licensed professional. Heating system technicians will clean and inspect your system, making any necessary repairs. This not only prolongs the life of your system, but it also reduces the chances of an issue that can cause CO leakage or a fire.
4. Locate Air Vents
Locate the exhaust vent for your heating system. It is usually on the side or rear of your home, or through the chimney. Mark the location of any lower vents and remember to quickly clear the snow from this area during a major snow storm. A blocked vent will force heating fumes and carbon monoxide into your home, which can be deadly.
5. Buy Snow Storm Supplies Now!
It never fails,… just before an impending storm, everyone heads to the store to buy supplies and store shelves are often found bare. Keep your home and family safe by getting necessary items now, rather when demand is high. Here are a few items you may need:
- Snowblower
- Shovels
- Salt or Sand for Walkways
- Candles or Flashlights and Batteries (In Case You Lose Power)
- Water
- Non-perishable Foods
More Winter Home Safety Tips
Since your’e stuck indoors anyway, winter is a great time to look around your home and identify other safety precautions. Do you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen? Are flammable materials set far away from sources of heat? Does your family know what to do in case of fire? Use this time to make your home and your family safer this winter and year round. Lastly, don’t forget to check/update your homeowner’s insurance policy! Contact us for a free quote.