Yes, you need to secure your home for the winter, but you also need to make sure that it is secure no matter what the season is. If you live in a cold climate, or have multiple homes like many we know who go back and forth between Naples and somewhere much colder, it’s time to start thinking about the cold winter months and what that means for your home. This post will cover things that you need to do just during the winter, as well as some other ideas that can keep your home secured throughout the year.
Year Round Protection
Did you know that each year, there are more than 2 million home burglaries reported in the U.S.? That breaks down to 6,000 daily, 240 each hour, or 4 each minute.
Renters and homeowners alike need to think about those statistics when it comes to keeping their possessions and families protected. One way to possibly deter a home burglary is by installing a home security system like Alarm Relay. Doing this can make the difference between a burglary being successful or not.
Other Safety Devices
In addition to a home security system, your place more than likely has a few other safety devices. These should also be checked on a regular basis. At the beginning of each season is a good time for these checks. Here are a few of the ones that you might have:
- Smoke alarms
- Carbon Monoxide alarms
- Gas appliances
- Stoves, grills, and other outdoor BBQ equipment
- Air exchange units
Get a Generator
You never know when a winter storm can knock your power out. You need to protect your home from this. If the power does go out, you might lose your heat and this could cause your pipes to freeze and even burst. Aside from keeping you warm, having a generator could also mean that you get a discount on your home owner’s insurance premiums.
Water
Speaking of the pipes bursting, there are other things that can be done to protect your home from water damage in the winter. One of these things is making sure that your gutters on your roof are clean. If they aren’t, they could overflow and this could send water right into your home. Even if it doesn’t get inside, it can still cause damage to the bricks and mortar over time.
Check the Furnace
This is imperative. If nothing else, making sure to get your furnace checked in the fall can mean that you save money on your energy bills in the winter. Annual inspections will ensure that it is working properly and efficiently. This is also critical for the health of you and your family. An inefficient furnace with venting that isn’t proper can mean that deadly amounts of carbon monoxide are produced and this could lead to sickness and even death.
Clean the Chimney
This only needs to be done once a year, but it does need to be done. Soot and creosote can build up in the chimney liner, damper, smoke chamber, and firebox. There could also be blockages. Making sure to get the chimney cleaned out before you use it for the first time each year will mean that you can safely use it. It only takes a small amount of creosote to make chimney fires a risk.
Trim Those Trees
Walk around your yard and take a long look at the trees. Do you notice any limbs that might be able to knock out your home’s power? Could any fall and hit your car during a winter storm? If so, take the time to cut those weak branches off before they can cause any damage. Doing it now is much easier than dealing with the aftermath.
Yes, the thought of making your home secure for the winter can be the catalyst for a groan or two, but most of these things are easily done and better to take care of now than when it is freezing.
