Home Safety Tips for Winter

In a few days, it will officially be winter. In most parts of the country, that means lots of cold days spent indoors. So, I’ve put together a few tips that can help you keep your home safe through these winter months.

Décor  During the holiday season, it’s pretty common to deck the halls and go all out with trees, lights, and all sorts of decorations. And while we all want to enjoy our festive environments, it’s important to remember to also stay safe. Here are a few easy tips you can use. Flammable items, such as wreaths, garland, anything with fabric, etc., should be kept away from any open flames (including fireplaces, fire pits, and gas stoves). Objects placed on counters or tables should be out of reach of small children and pets so that they don’t knock them over. Unplug anything not in use, and always water your tree (if it’s real). Larger pieces should be secured to avoid tipping over. Driveways and walkways should be clear of clutter. And lastly, decorations should not block access to important things like fire alarms or entry/exit doors.      

Packages  These days, more and more people are doing their shopping solely online, which means more deliveries. While that’s made shopping more convenient, it’s also brought along a new set of issues to deal with. Here are a few things to keep in mind before clicking 'place your order'. If you know you will be at the office, or someplace other than your house, during time of delivery, have your items shipped there so that you can sign for them or have them in your possession. That way, your packages are not left at your front door/porch for hours/days on end. Another alternative is to invest in a doorbell camera, which will notify you when someone is at your front door via live feed straight to your smartphone. This can help you keep track of your deliveries and packages, as well as give you access to who is at your front door. 

Heaters  If you live in Southern California, chances are you won’t need to use a heater very often over the next few months. But if you get cold, or live in a colder city, keep in mind the following safety tips. If you have central heating, keep at least one window in your home slightly ajar to let some natural air flow through the house. If you don’t have central heating, or don’t want to heat every room in your house, invest in a space heater. It will be more cost efficient and will concentrate the heat exactly where you want it. Air vents should be cleaned and changed as often as needed, and items (both flammable and not) should not block air vents or space heaters. It is not recommended to use ovens or gas stoves to heat your home - those should be used for cooking purposes only! Also, if you are using a fireplace or fire pit to stay warm, make sure the fire is never left unattended and is completely extinguished before leaving the room. 

Do you have any tips you can share on how to keep your home safe in the winter?