During the cold, dreary winter months, it is important to ensure your home is prepared for winter. There are several things that you can do to keep your home safe and comfortable. Here are 12 steps that will help you prepare your home for winter.
Preventing fires
During the cold winter months, residential buildings are at increased risk for fires. During this time of year, fires are widespread as people use heating equipment to keep warm.
Fires related to heating equipment are the second largest category of house fires. Some of the leading causes of heating equipment-related fires include faulty heating equipment, frayed electrical cords, improper installation, and heating equipment that malfunctions.
There are some ways to make sure your heating equipment is working properly. One way to do this is to have it inspected by a professional. This includes checking the flue and vents, replacing frayed or damaged wires, and ensuring the chimney is sound.
In addition to maintaining your heating equipment, you should also make sure your windows are closed and doors are closed to prevent drafts from causing fires. You should also keep any candles you have on hand a safe distance away from flammables.
Another way to prevent fires in winter is to make sure you have a good fire escape plan in place. This should include an emergency ladder to use if needed, as well as a plan for exiting the house in case of a fire.
Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning
Taking measures to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when preparing your home for winter can save your life. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that poisons your body. It is produced when fuels are burned improperly, especially in heating and cooking equipment. Carbon monoxide is fatal to anyone, especially young children and older adults.
Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include dizziness, confusion, nausea, headaches, shortness of breath, and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, you should leave the area immediately and call 911.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is especially dangerous during the winter. Heavy snowfalls and ice can block vents, which makes it difficult for carbon monoxide to leave the home. Snow and ice can also block gas-burning appliances, which can lead to carbon monoxide accumulation.
It is very important to maintain and clean all vents and pipes in your home. You should also avoid using flammable items around your furnace.
Make sure that you check the batteries of your carbon monoxide detector regularly. Change the batteries every two years. Carbon monoxide detectors should also be installed near the sleeping areas of the house.
Preventing rain from flooding your home
Keeping your chin up during the winter months isn’t as easy as you’d think. In addition to a good old-fashioned sleet blitz, your home may well be the recipient of the latest nastiness on tap. While the weather may be benign, the weather may not be so kind to your wallet. The following tips will help ensure you and your home stay warm and dry.
First, check your gutters, awnings, and other ratty areas of your domicile to ensure that a major winter storm doesn’t take the cake. Second, make sure to inspect your windows and doors for damage caused by the aforementioned ratty areas. Lastly, make sure to properly seal your windows and doors in the event of a major storm. If the above measures aren’t enough to keep your house from a flood, you may need to seek professional help. A good rule of thumb is to inspect your home for damage every two weeks.
Preventing squirrels and birds from entering your home
Keeping squirrels and birds from entering your home for winter isn’t always easy. Luckily, there are several ways to prevent the animals from getting in.
Before you take any action to keep squirrels and birds from entering your home, you should inspect your home’s exterior for signs of holes. Squirrels and birds can enter your home through roof ridges, holes in the walls, or around chimneys. Make sure to close these entry points.
If you have a bird feeder or bird bath, keep it out of their reach. Bird seeds and nuts attract squirrels. You can discourage them from visiting by putting repellents in the feeders. You can also install squirrel-proof bird feeders. These feeders feature large plastic domes that rotate to dump squirrels onto the ground.
If you’re concerned about squirrels, you can also try putting up netting or a tall fence around your yard. This will keep squirrels from climbing up your home’s exterior.
