The 705 is still savouring warm temperatures during the day but, alas, cold weather is not far away.
As the days shorten and temperatures dip, nature begins preparing for winter. Trees shed their leaves to conserve energy while wildlife prepares their dens for the frost. Your home deserves the same care, so get your property and outdoor spaces winter-ready before the first snow falls.
“Cold weather can cause more damage than you expect. While many homeowners focus on what’s happening inside their homes, outdoor features are often among the most vulnerable to winter weather,” said Mel Wright, vice president and head of Intact Insurance’s prevention program. “A quick seasonal inspection of outdoor taps, doors, gutters and attached structures can help identify potential issues and reduce the risk of costly damage during the winter months”
Here are some preventative steps that can help protect your home and get it winter-ready:
- Shut off the outdoor taps. Disconnect and drain all garden hoses before closing the indoor shut-off valve for your outdoor faucets. Open the exterior taps to drain any remaining water; this prevents trapped moisture from freezing and bursting your pipes.
- Secure outdoor items. High winds can turn patio furniture and trash cans into projectiles, damaging both the items and your home’s siding. Store what you can in a garage or shed to protect it from the elements. For larger items that have to stay outside, use heavy-duty ropes to anchor them securely.
- Trim your trees. Inspect trees for dead or weakened limbs that hang over your roof, fences or power lines. Prune these branches as close to the trunk as you can to prevent heavy snow or wind from snapping them. For large limbs or high-altitude work, hire a professional to ensure the job is done safely.
- Clear your eavestroughs. Leaves, needles and debris can quickly clog your drainage system. Clear out your eavestroughs and downspouts, and be sure to sweep debris off the roof as well. This helps prevent the next rainfall from washing material right back into your freshly cleaned drains.
- Check your weatherstripping. Take the opportunity to inspect the seals around your home’s exterior doors and windows. Look for missing, cracked or damaged weatherstripping, and replace it to keep a warm and dry home all season long.
- Inspect your outdoor structures. Take a look at any fencing, canopies, porches, decks and for loose boards or structural damage. Winter will make any existing damage worse. Fixing it now will be easier than when the snow comes.
Fire safety is especially critical as temperatures drop and we start using the furnace or fireplace, space heaters, and Christmas lights.
Kearney Fire and Emergency Services says chimney fires are a common emergency that they response to. In a Facebook post, they say that creosote (a highly flammable tar-like residue that builds up inside chimneys and stovepipes) and other buildup inside a chimney can ignite, creating a dangerous fire that may spread beyond the chimney and into the home.
Before lighting that first fire of the season:
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned as needed by a qualified professional
- Check your fireplace, wood stove and venting for damage or deterioration
- Burn only clean, dry, seasoned wood
- Keep combustible materials safely away from heating appliances
- Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working
Damaged cords and overloaded outlets can also create safety hazards. Inspect all extension cords for signs of wear and replace any that are frayed or damaged. Consider switching to LED energy-efficient lights, which help reduce energy consumption while still providing the same comfort.
Be sure any outdoor lights are rated for outdoor use and plugged into grounded, weather-protected outlets. And when you’re installing them, use a sturdy ladder and avoid rushing the job. Remember: snow, ice and wet surfaces can increase the risk of slips and falls.
Test all of your smoke alarms once a month by pressing the “test” button and waiting for the beep; replace older units when needed. If you use a wood-burning fireplace or stove, have your chimney inspected and cleaned before heating season.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact your local fire department.
