Staying Safe at Home this Winter
From chilling temperatures to slippery sidewalks, winter is a season that brings unique safety concerns. Keep your family cozy and safe this winter by remembering a few important tips.
Winter comes with a few hazards for homeowners, but there are plenty of things you can do to protect your property and your family. Keep these tips in mind.
Request a Home Heating Inspection: The fact that your central heating unit, space heater, or fireplace was working properly at the end of last season does not mean it’s ready for this winter. Before frigid temperatures set in, hire a professional to conduct a safety inspection of your heating units, as well as your fireplace’s flue and chimney. If any potential risks are found, act immediately to remedy them. If you’ll be using space heaters, make sure your rooms have proper ventilation and that the units are not placed near anything flammable. Using unsafe heating systems can result in fire, injuries, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless vapor that is sometimes produced by gas furnaces and space heaters. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, dizziness, severe headache, confusion, and unconsciousness. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a family member, go to the emergency room right away. If you have a central gas heater, use gas-powered space heaters, or have a fireplace, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Protect Your Plumbing: When temperatures dip below freezing, it’s important to take steps to prevent ruptured plumbing. To prevent burst pipes, leave water dripping slightly so that water is constantly running through them to reduce the chances of freezing. Additionally, open the cabinets in which indoor pipes are housed so they are exposed to the warmest temperatures in your home. Outdoor pipes should be wrapped with sufficient insulation to reduce exposure to the elements. Never leave a hose attached to an outside faucet during the winter months.
Clear Snow and Remove Ice: According to the CDC, falls are the number one cause of injuries to adults. Many of these falls happen when sidewalks, driveways, and walkways are covered in snow and ice. Make sure any of these surfaces around your home are shoveled regularly and free from debris.
Prepare for Winter Storms: If you live in an area prone to winter storms, it’s important to plan for them early in the season. Stock up on the following supplies:
Battery-powered radio
Flashlights and lanterns, with spare batteries
Drinking water 1 gallon per family member per day
Non-perishable food that doesn’t require cooking
Baby food and formula, if needed
Pet food, if needed
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Dry clothing/shoes for each family member
Know the Signs of Hypothermia: According to the National Institute of Health, anyone who spends extended periods outside in cold winter temperatures is at risk for hypothermia. Hypothermia can happen when your body temperature drops from its usual 98.6 degrees. It is a medical emergency if a person’s temperature is 95 degrees or less. In addition to the lowered temperature, someone experiencing hypothermia may have the following symptoms:
Confusion
Clumsiness and stumbling Dizziness and drowsiness
Apathetic mental state
Shivering
Slurred speech
Weak pulse and slow breathing
Take Regular Breaks: Taking breaks at regular intervals is a good idea when you are enjoying the great outdoors in the winter. Go inside to warm up and get a snack and something to drink. A safer choice may be not to push yourself if you are already tired.