The Groundhog Has Spoken, Six More Weeks Of Winter!

2/7/2018 6:00 AM

Electrical, Furnace, Home Automation, HVAC, Plumbing, Water Heater

winter

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow… So… Six more weeks of winter it is! Here in the Midwest, we’ve seen a few days with some heavy snow, lots of ice, and the kids have been enjoying their snow/cold days off from school. And it’s not ending just yet.

This winter, we’ve covered a lot of topics for your home and winter, including: Signs Your Furnace May Be Failing; Making Sure Your Home Is Prepared For Midwest Winter Weather; The Dangers Of Snow & Ice On Outdoor Condensers & Furnace Vents; Extra Tips To Prepare Your Home For Winter; & more! Today, we’re going to cover just a few more safety tips for these last few (hopefully!) weeks of winter….

Safety Tips For Inside Your Home

Install a carbon monoxide detector inside your home. Less than one-third of American homes have one installed. With the furnace running overtime in the bitter cold, it’s more important than ever to have a tested and operating carbon monoxide detector to check for leaks.
Make sure your fire alarms are working well and have fresh batteries. Home fires are most prevalent during the winter months: December, January, and February.
In case of fire, have a family escape plan in place.
Learn how to use a fire extinguisher in your home and have a fully charged, operating extinguisher on every floor of your home.
Have flashlights at the ready, in case the power goes out.
In case the heat goes out, stock up on extra blankets and clothing layers.
Don’t keep portable heaters running when you’re not in the room or when you go to sleep.

Safety Tips For Outside Your Home

Shoveling snow can cause major pain and suffering. Make sure you know how to best protect your heart and back during this activity.
If you prefer to use a snow blower, follow safety guidelines that come with the machine. Make sure you pay attention to the blower being turned off for maintenance, refueling, and any time you’re in an enclosed space (to avoid carbon monoxide risks).
In case of any emergency scenarios and for full safety measures, make sure your walkway is clear and ice-free.
Know how to handle hypothermia and frostbite.

Safety Tips For Your Vehicle(s)

Drive safely in the snow and ice.
Give yourself extra travel time, just in case.
Prepare your vehicle in case you get caught somewhere and for traveling in the snow and ice.

Want to keep reading about how to take care of your home in the winter?

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