The seasons are changing and as the days get shorter, it’s time to ready your home for the coming winter season. These seven winter safety tips will help you stay warm and safe. Winter Home Safety Guide.

1. Winterize your pipes

Winter Home Safety Guide – Use foam, heating cables, or pipe sleeves to ensure pipes stay warm enough, and seal any cracks in your home’s exterior.

Frozen pipe prevention
Safety Guideon
M-D Self-Sealing Tube Pipe
$2.46

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

During the winter, outside water can freeze and burst exterior pipes. Take precautions to prevent frozen pipes by disconnecting all garden hoses and draining any water left in outdoor spigots. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, drain it as well.

If temperatures will drop below freezing overnight, leave exterior faucets trickling to avoid the pressure buildup that causes burst pipes. You can also avoid frozen and burst pipes inside your house by insulating your home and pipes.

2. Inspect your roof

Before the first snowfall, check your roof for damaged, loose, or missing shingles that may leak when snow melts or during severe storms. Make sure seals around chimneys and vent stacks are intact as well. If they aren’t, you can make repairs yourself or hire a handyman.

For patching roof seals
Rasied Ranch home styles
Sashco Through the Roof Sealant
$8.99

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Regularly clear your roof of snow this season. And remove all leaves, pine needles, and other roof debris as these can hold moisture and rot during winter weather if left unattended.

As the temperatures drop this season, it’s also smart to double-check your homeowners insurance coverage regarding roof repair, water damage, and other risks associated with bad weather.

3. Prepare for power outages

Heavy snow and ice can take down power lines and leave you in the cold and dark. To prepare for power outages, invest in a two-way radio for news concerning the power outage—look for one that uses solar power, batteries, or a hand crank. A hand-crank or solar-powered cellphone charger can keep you in touch with family, friends, and neighbors until the storm passes.

Hand crank radio
Winter
Emergency Radio with NOAA Weather Alert
$35.99

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

You’ll also want to invest in a generator, alongside flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries.

In addition to these gadgets, keep warm clothing, blankets, non-perishable food, and bottled water in an emergency kit for bad weather emergencies.

Rebecca Edwards
Security Expert, Safety & Tech Reporter

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source, https://www.safewise.com/blog/safety-guide-winter/