Stay Warm and Safe This Winter: Winter Safety Tips

Those of us living in areas that are starting to get cold should take a few minutes this weekend to make sure that our families will stay safe from winter’s freezing temperatures, snow and ice.

If you haven’t already turned on your furnace, do so now. There may be an unusual smell for the first few minutes – if so open the windows and clear the air. But if the smell continues, turn off the furnace and call a professional to make sure you don’t have a serious problem. Also check and replace the furnace filter on a monthly basis. An extremely dirty filter can impede airflow and could become a fire hazard.

Chimneys need to be regularly inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep. Regular use of a wood-burning fireplace creates creosote – a tar-like substance that builds up inside your chimney and could lead to a fire if allowed to collect.

Be prepared for impassable roads and power outages by creating emergency kits with several days’ worth of water, food (don’t forget your pets), medicine and a first aid kit. Also, keep flashlights and radios with batteries on hand, as well as candles and matches. But never leave candles burning in an empty room or where young children or pets might knock them over.

Consider maintaining at least one corded landline telephone to call for help during an emergency. During a power outage, cordless phones won’t work and if the outage continues long enough the batteries on your cell phone may be drained.

Winter safety is also important when you plan to be away from home. Make sure the doors to your garage and outdoor sheds are securely locked. You don’t want to provide burglars with the tools they use to break into your home.

If you didn’t change the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms during the fall time change, take a few minutes to do so now.

And finally, consider a monitored home security system with a cellular backup. That will help your family stay safe and secure throughout the winter with trained professionals watching over your home 24/7.

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