With the winter season comes a whole host of cold-related problems – are you taking the proper steps to protect your home and valuables? Save yourself from a home insurance claim this season; read on to learn about four common wintertime home hazards and how to prevent them!
Fireplace Safety
There’s nothing better than cozying up beside a fireplace on a cold winter’s night. Make sure your fireplace is safe and ready to use this winter by following these steps:
- You should have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned once a year. This will ensure that soot does not accumulate as well as make sure that everything is in good working condition.
- Always check that your flue is open before lighting a fire. Failure to do so can result in smoke and flames backfiring into your home.
- Use a screen in front of your fireplace to protect your home from flying sparks and embers.
Frozen Pipes
Sudden temperature drops may cause pipes to freeze, which can lead to cracking, leaking, and worst of all, bursting. Every winter, it’s a good idea to check your pipes to see if they are properly insulated. Leaky, cracked or burst pipes will lead to varying degrees of flooding that, if not remedied promptly, could lead to a very large insurance claim!
Clogged Gutters
Fluctuations in temperatures can mean lots of snow and ice buildup in your gutters. If your gutters freeze, snow can leak into your attic and siding causing major damage to your home’s interior. So how do you make sure this doesn’t happen? On warmer winter days, make sure to check and see if water is running down your downspout. If there isn’t, chances are your gutters are clogged and you should seek attention from a professional promptly to prevent any damage.
Indoor Hazards
When the temperature drops, many people will reach for common household items like space heaters or electric blankets. While these items offer warmth and comfort, it’s important you use them with caution. Never leave a space heater unattended, and make sure to turn off any heating device when you’re not using it– even if you’re in the room. These types of items tend to wear quickly, so if you have a space heater that is more than five years old, it’s probably best to replace it!
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