Staying Safe During Winter
Winter presents hazards to your home and your safety when the temperature is freezing. Familiarize yourself with these winter safety tips to keep your family out of harm’s way during the coldest months of the year.
Winter Safety Includes Checking Your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Instances of house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning deaths both increase over the winter months. Locate all the detectors in your home, put fresh batteries in them, and test them to make sure they are operational. If the expiration date printed on the device has passed, replace it promptly with a newer model.
Protect Your Plumbing
Burst pipes are a serious issue for many homeowners during the winter. This happens when plumbing has not been properly insulated or prepared for freezing temperatures.
Water sitting the pipes will expand as it freezes. This causes pipes to burst to relieve the pressure, which leads to leaks. As you prepare your home for winter safety, don’t forget to pay attention to your plumbing.
Change Your HVAC Filters
Indoor air quality might not seem like a winter safety priority, but when you spend more time inside, the quality of your air becomes more important.
Change your air filters at least once a quarter. Change the filter once a month if your HVAC unit sees heavy use, you have indoor pets, or you have allergies. Breathing clean air will also help keep you healthier during cold and flu season.
Have Your HVAC System Inspected for Winter Safety
A damaged furnace can leak carbon monoxide into your home and put your family at serious risk. Hire an HVAC technician to visit your home to assess your furnace and look for other winter safety issues. After your inspection, the technician will give you a report on the state of your system and schedule any needed repairs.
Clean Out Your Gutters
One of the biggest hidden winter safety hazards is large icicles hanging from gutters. Before you get the first snowfall of the year, clean out leaves and debris from the gutters. Clean gutters are less likely to accumulate water and ice that can cause issues with your roof, injuries, and premature wear and tear.
Winter Safety Tips for Shoveling Snow
Every year, people are injured or die as a result of shoveling snow. If you don’t shovel snow properly, you risk injuring your back, falling on the ice, or worst of all, having a heart attack.
Always take time to stretch before shoveling. Shovel in short periods of time and avoid shoveling wet, heavy snow. Lift the snow with your legs and not your back. If you are concerned about your health when shoveling, hire a professional to plow your driveway.
HomeVantage Home Inspections provides inspection services to homes in Northern New Jersey. Contact us to book an appointment.