Staying Safe During Winter

In cold weather, it’s important to take precautions to keep your home and your loved ones safe and warm. Here are some winter safety tips to complete now.

Winter Safety Starts with Keeping Your Home Warm

One of the most important things you can do to stay safe during winter is to make sure your home is warm. Setting your thermostat to around 68 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your family comfortable and help prevent your pipes from freezing when it gets very cold.

Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Verify that both your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order and have fresh batteries. Smoke detectors can save your life in the event of a fire. Carbon monoxide detectors will alert you to dangerous levels of this gas before it becomes fatal.

Drive Carefully for Winter Safety

Icy roads increase the risk of accidents, so if there is inclement weather, drive carefully and be aware of your surroundings. If you have to go out in bad weather, make sure to have a winter safety emergency kit in your car. This should include food, water, warm clothes, a shovel, and a flashlight.

If you plan on attending holiday parties where there will be alcohol, be sure to have a designated driver. Even a little bit of alcohol will affect your reaction time, and if the roads are already messy, you’re more likely to have an accident while driving.

Watch for Potential Fire Hazards for Winter Safety

Space heaters, holiday trees, and other electronic appliances are fire hazards when not used properly. Keep flammable objects away from heaters and cords, and use only lights that are rated for indoor use.

Be Prepared for Power Outages

For winter safety, have a plan If you lose power. Make sure you have flashlights and radios within easy access and keep extra batteries on hand to power them. Stock plenty of non-perishable food in case you need to fix a meal and you don’t have electricity.

It gets very cold in the winter, and without power, your home’s temperature may drop to dangerous levels. Keep lots of extra blankets for everyone in your family so they can bundle up and stay warm.

Be Careful When Walking on Ice and Snow for Winter Safety

Take extra time when walking in snow or on ice for winter safety. Wear boots with good traction and move slowly and cautiously so you don’t slip and fall. If possible, avoid walking on ice altogether. Keep a bag of ice melt on hand to make your walkways safer for foot traffic.

When shoveling snow, remember to lift with your legs instead of your back to prevent injuries. Always use a shovel with a curved handle and do not try to remove all of the snow at once. It’s better to remove it in layers rather than in one big scoop.

Border Home and Property Inspections provides home inspection services to the Midwest region of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Contact us to schedule an inspection.