Officially, winter doesn’t arrive until December 21, but here in Warrenton and the rest of Fauquier County, you feel it sooner.
Winter Safety Tips
Make sure your home runs smoothly throughout the cold winter months by making a December safety checklist. Keep reading and find ideas for your checklist, some items you can tackle now to make sure your home stays safe all winter long.
Insulate your home
Keep warm and cold air in their designated places. You should add weatherstripping and insulation to exterior doors and windows to keep the cold weather out and the warm heat in.
Turn up the temperature
Keep your home thermostat set above 66 degrees, even if you are away from home. This protects your pipes from freezing and bursting. Nothing ruins the holidays faster than a flooded home in the midst of winter weather.
Protect your pipes
Another way to protect your pipes is to allow your faucet to drip ever so slightly with warm water. Keeping the pipes warm prevents expansion and contraction from changing weather and keeps your home safe.
Be careful with space heaters
Although a quick and handy way to warm a room, space heaters cause numerous fires and burns every year. Keep space heaters away from furniture and other objects, out of the reach of children, and never leave the heaters unattended.
Consider getting a woodstove or generator as a backup heat source
Wood stoves and generators provide a backup source of heat when your regular heater stops working. Stock up with firewood when you choose a wood stove for your backup heat source. If you choose a generator, remember to talk with a professional before attempting to use it. Generators start fires when not used properly.
Add door sweeps as needed
The areas below doors are often drafty. If cold air is flowing in from under a door, you need a door sweep. Usually made from hard plastic, a door sweep attaches to the bottom of your door, closing the gap which lets in cold air.
Keep walkways clear of snow and ice
Keep snow shovels and ice melt where you can easily get to them during a storm. Be aware, some ice melting products are harmful to pets and plants. Always read the labels carefully before buying, and keep products off of your lawn and garden beds.
Check your roof for ice dams
Ice dams are areas of built-up ice which accumulate on your roof, potentially causing leaks when they melt. If you can safely reach them, break them up as soon as possible to prevent future damage.
Keep your emergency kit stocked and handy
Check the expiration dates on food and medications in your emergency kit, and replace items as needed. If you do not yet have an emergency kit yet, get one or make one now. Click Here for an Emergency First Aid and Medical Supply Checklist
Protect your home from rodents
Keep mice from invading your home by sealing holes or cracks around windows and doors leading outside. Always store food in airtight containers. Clean your pantry regularly.
Knock snow from tree branches
Large amounts of snow cause trees to lose branches, which is especially dangerous if a large limb hangs near your home. Use a long-handled broom or similar tool to gently knock snow from tree branches close to your home.
Shelter your pets
When possible, keep your pets indoors during extreme temperatures. If you can’t bring them inside, find alternative shelter from the cold for them.
We are Experts When it Comes to Home Safety
One of the best ways to prepare and protect your home for winter is to install new, state-of-the-art, weatherproof and energy-efficient windows, doors, gutters and roofing. Contact us at Paul Henry’s Windows today to schedule a free in-home consultation, or visit our Warrenton, Virginia showroom to discuss how we can beautify and protect your home, all done while increasing its value.