It’s cold. Really cold. And extreme temperatures like the ones that we have been experiencing can be dangerous. Here are a dozen cold weather safety tips to ensure that your family + home are safe and as warm as possible throughout this cold-front and the rest of the winter season.
Layer Up
Layering on clothing when you have to venture outdoors is key for staying warm. Jackets, hats, scarves, mittens, wool socks, boots – wear them all!
Layer Your Home, Too
Weatherstripping on windows and exterior doors can help to keep the cold air where it belongs – outside! Installing storm windows + doors can help out as well.
Check Your Car
Before driving anywhere check your car’s battery, anti-freeze and windshield cleaner levels. Also, adding a small emergency pack to your car for longer trips is highly recommended.
Babies + Seniors
Just like the extreme heat in the summer, the low temperatures effect the young and old more drastically than the rest of us. Bundle up your babies and check in on any elderly loved ones.
Furry Friends, Too!
These low temperatures are not safe for animals either. Try to keep your furry friends indoors and warm. And wipe your pet’s paws off after they do venture outside to remove any ice-melt + salt.
And The Pipes
Frozen and bursting pipes can be a big problem during freezing conditions like this. Letting your faucets slowly drip warm water will keep your water supply moving and your pipes warm.
Avoid Space Heaters
Space heaters can seem like an easy solution for warming up a room, but they can be dangerous. They cause countless house fires and burns every year.
Order Heating Fuel
If you heat your home with fuel, such as oil or propane, you should proactively place an order so that you don’t come close to running low or out.
Check CO2 Detectors
Carbon Monoxide emergencies go up during extremely cold temps. Test your home’s detectors and change batteries where needed.
Turn It Up
Don’t be afraid to turn up your heat at home. Raising the temperature a few degrees will help you stay warm and will also help to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Clear Indoor Vents
Make sure that all of your home’s indoor heating vents are clear or any blockages, like furniture, carpeting, decor, toys, etc. This will help your heating system work at its best.
Clear Outdoor Vents
Also be sure to keep heating vents + pipes clear of snow. This will help you avoid potential heating disruptions or dangerous issues from Carbon Monoxide build-up.
Heating and plumbing emergencies are, unfortunately, bound to happen in this weather. Our team of professional plumbers and HVAC technicians are on call 24/7 to help you when you need us most!
