Make Home Repairs before Winter Storms Arrive
Prepare for Frigid Temperatures; Check Furnace, Supplies & Neighbors
Sep 24, 2009
Fall is a good time to begin preparing a home for winter in the U.S. Residents who live in the south don't have long weeks of freezing winter temperatures as do neighboring states to the north, but some preparations are necessary in nearly every region to keep a home in safe working order.
Be prepared for winter storms and power outages. Keep prescription medications filled and have plenty of blankets on hand. When the temperature dips low, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and eat healthy heartier foods. Be sure to have enough pet food and supplies on hand, too.
What Preparations Should Homeowners Make for Winter Weather?
Regardless of where one lives, it's essential that the homeowner check heater units, clean vents, and replace old or worn weather stripping. Heat costs money, and the harder the heating unit works, the more money will come out of the budget to pay for fuel.
Winter survival in the north and mid-west depends on proper winter maintenance for a home. Neglecting or putting off cold weather and winter storm preparations presents a dangerous safety hazard. Equipment breakdowns could result in costly repair bills later on. Failing to test a home's heating source to see whether or not it is working properly could result in injury or death if the unit is faulty. Tips to start winter weather home preparations:
- Check the home's heating source. Clean or change filters, check the thermostat, and have the unit serviced if necessary. Check the chimney for any problems.
- Avoid using portable heating units that emit dangerous fumes or don't have the safety turn-off feature should the unit tip over. Dispose of units with frayed cords, missing parts, or units that don't work properly
- Make sure the fireplace works properly. Remove any soot or debris from wood fireplaces and check the pilot light for a properly burning flame in gas units.
- Have carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors in working order with fresh batteries. Keep a fire extinguisher within easy access.
- Store an ample supply of seasoned wood for wood burning stoves and fireplaces.
- Make sure the home has enough insulation. Check weather stripping on doors and windows and install or replace as needed. Cover window AC units to keep cold air out.
- Insulate pipes with insulation material purchased from a home supply store, or use newspaper and plastic. Allow faucets to drip during hard freezes to keep pipes from bursting.
- Know how to shut off water to the home in case a pipe should burst.
- Don't forget to put antifreeze in vehicles.
- Have a battery-operated radio and flashlights available; and don't forget extra batteries.
- Check on elderly and disabled neighbors to see if all winter preparations are up to speed.
- Know how to protect outdoor plants.
- Be ready for icy walkways and steps with rock salt. Check shovels and the snow blower to see that the tools are in good working condition.
Don't Take Chances in Winter Weather
Every year people die from winter-related incidents and accidents. According to an online news report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), titled, "CPSC Warns of Deadly Fire and Carbon Monoxide Hazards with Winter Home Heating", the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) estimates that more than 150 residential fires resulted in more than 200 deaths since Thanksgiving, 2008.
Families continue to struggle through tough economic times. People look for alternative ways to heat homes and sometimes the choices can be deadly. More than ever, neighbors are encouraged to watch out for each other. Ice can cause dangerous falls for elderly people, and shoveling snow can cause heart attacks – two more reasons for neighbors to look out for each other. Avoid prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. Act responsibly to avoid becoming a victim of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning, especially during winter months.
Preparing for winter weather is a matter of survival for residents that live in the northern U.S., but southern residents have to take precautions to stay safe, as well. When making winter preparations, don't forget pets, pipes, and plants. Winterize the home and vehicle and stay aware of weather conditions to avoid unnecessary stress. Cold climate conditions are inviting, especially for the person planning to hit the ski slopes. Take the necessary precautions to stay safe and make the winter season an enjoyable experience.
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