Winter weather safety tips
Winter weather brings the joys of snowmobiling, sledding, relaxing inside, yet concerns of winter weather safety might be a topic of conversation. There are countless things to be aware of to keep you and your home safe including but not limited to:
- Furnace filters should be changed frequently to ensure air can still flow while catching dirt particles. An insufficient furnace filter will not heat a home as well, therefore work harder causing that utility bill to increase.
- Open door in cabinets with plumbing to let in warm air to prevent pipes from freezing. This should be done especially to plumbing against an exterior wall.
- Adequately shovel/snow blow driveway/sidewalks then salt. This is a major winter weather safety tip to prevent falls outside which then can prevent injuries such as a minor bruise to broken bones.
- Clear vents outside, specifically the laundry and other external vents.
- No hoses connected to outdoor spickets. Water typically remains in the hoses, therefore if the hose still has water which could get backed up into the plumbing. When this is ice, that line could burst which is why this is a very important winter weather safety tip.
- Clear snow and debris by external gas lines. In case of a gas leak, this area will need to be readily accessed.
- Clear by fire hydrants which again will need to be readily accessed at any given moment. Remember the fire department doesn’t have time to clear snow when putting out a fire!
- Turn up the thermostat in the house to help prevent freezing pipes.
- Perhaps turn off water if going to be gone for several days is a good idea which will also help prevent pipes from bursting.
- If LP, ensure tank is filled adequately to keep up with heating demands.
- Plastic over windows is another winter weather safety tip to prevent drafts to keep the cold air out.
- Check basement for leaks. A cracked foundation is a serious issue to fix. During the weather, when water gets into the cracks then the water turns to ice which will expand in the crack causing the crack to become bigger. Thus, this winter weather safety tip is very crucial!
- Icicles hanging from roof can be a sign the attics are not properly insulated. Age of the home and when the last time insulation was put in will play a huge factor to determine the next steps.
- All doorways must be cleared as an emergency exit should always be done, especially in winter to keep snow cleared for easy access.
- Locked out? Have spare key readily available. Most people have a spare key hidden in a rock which could be under a bush. When snow and ice cover this area, the key could be impossible to access.
For additional ideas, check this website from State Farm: https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/winterizing-your-home
What if you have a home that is difficult to keep up with the winter weather safety checklist? The overwhelming feeling of house repairs isn’t something you have to live with. The Reel Property Solutions, LLC TEAM wants to help you by assessing a cash offer, close on your timeline, utilize transactions services with a real estate agent, real estate attorney, or title company. In addition, any questions that we can’t answer can be addressed with networks within Fortune Builders, a premier real estate education company. This is all to put the client first!
Contact us at info@reelpropertysolutionsllc.com or 507-218-8788.
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