Winter is a beautiful time of year but it also brings with it several home safety hazards that you can prepare for. Consider these five home safety precautions this winter to keep your family and your home safe.

Snow Removal

Likely one of the first things you think of for winter home safety and maintenance, snow removal can be hard on your back and be dangerous as your walkways and driveway become frozen. In areas with larger snowfall, make sure accumulation is handled promptly. Professional snow removal will ensure your home stays accessible and safe all winter long.

Salting Walkways

Along with snow removal, salting your walkways and driveway is essential to home safety during the winter. Slippery sidewalks and driveways can potentially lead to serious injuries from falls. This danger is especially present for elderly people and is an easily preventable hazard. Do not wait until it is too late to consider having your home pathways salted and keep it up throughout the winter.

Winterizing Pipes

You spent all spring and summer having your lawn sprinkler system installed and your lawn made perfect so why risk having your pipes burst due to the cold? Having your pipes winterized will help prevent damage to your external spigots and water systems as well as save you from costly repairs. Disconnect any garden hoses and sprinkler systems, draining any remaining water from them. If the temperature falls below freezing, leaving your external spigots trickleing overnight will combat the pressure that causes pipes to burst. You may also consider pipe sleeves, insulation, and heating cables. On the same note, keeping internal faucets running at a trickle will help keep internal pipes from freezing, as well.

Icicle and Ice Dam Prevention/Removal

Icicles may be very pretty to look at but they also pose multiple risks to your home including risk of serious personal injury and ice dams. Ice dams prevent melting snow to drain from your roof, which can cause damage to your roof and allow meltwater to flow inside your home. A professional can identify these issues and correct them safely and efficiently, keeping your family and your home safe from harm.

Outdoor Lighting Maintenance

As winter sets in, the days grow shorter and shorter. If you have an outdoor lighting system, have it maintenanced to ensure proper function and stability for the winter. If you do not yet have an outdoor lighting system, consider having one installed to light walkways and keep your paths bright and safe. Well-lit paths not only light the way but also allow your family and guests to see any ice buildup along the way (which you can then take care of by salting your pathways!).

Bonus!

When winter approaches, take the time to have your roof cleared of any leaves and debris, have your gutters cleared, and your landscaping pruned. Clearing your roof and gutters of leaves and debris will leave a clear path for snow to melt and drain properly. Check any downspouts and make sure they direct water away from the foundation of your home. Pruning dead branches from trees and landscaping keeps your family and guests safe from falling or breaking branches from the weight of snow and ice. Also take the time to check and secure any handrails and and steps to prevent any possible accidents in ice and snow.

Wintertime brings with it memorable family gatherings, beautiful snowy weather, and breathtaking home decorations. Ensure that this winter, you are keeping your family, guests, and home safe by following these home safety precautions! Have you winterized your home this year?