14 Nov Winter Safety Checklist: Prepare Your Home & Vehicle for Winter Conditions
Reprinted from American Alarm
The winter season can be messy and dangerous if you live somewhere that gets excessive rain, snow, or random cold snaps. We can’t always predict exactly how the winter season will shape up in terms of weather, so it’s best to be prepared for anything that may come. Here are some things to think about before winter.
Vehicle Safety
When winter hits, you may be expecting snow or ice, which means you need appropriate tires. Check your winter or snow tires now to ensure they’re in good condition. If they aren’t, now is the best time to get new ones. Once the snow hits, everyone will rush to get them, and you may have to wait. Life doesn’t stop when snow falls, so safe transportation is essential.
You should also have a supply of salt and a small shovel just in case you get stuck in the snow while away from home.
In addition to having the right winter supplies and equipment, driving safely should also be top-of-mind. According to Accident Treatment Centers, 70% of US roads are located in snowy regions, and 24% of weather-related accidents occur in winter conditions.
Driving with extra care and attention matters during the winter months. This means giving yourself more time to get where you’re going and driving slowly.
Home Safety
Daylight hours during the winter months are short. Since there are many gatherings this time of year, ensure that your home, specifically the outside, is well-lit. Before your guests arrive, keep the sidewalk and path to your door clear of snow, ice, and other debris.
LED path lights are a good option for lighting the pathway for guests, postal workers, and others who visit. These lights can also be placed around the perimeter of your driveway and on outside steps. They can help prevent slip and fall accidents while also adding curb appeal. You can integrate exterior lights into your home security system so they turn on and off at specific times or are motion-activated to ensure the exterior of your home is always well-lit.
Emergency Kits
For both home and car, having an emergency kit is necessary. Winter weather can be unpredictable; you never know when the power might go out, or you’ll be stranded on the road. In both cases, you will want to have a flashlight, battery-operated radio, extra batteries, food, water, blankets, and a first aid kit.
In your car, you’ll also want to have extra clothing in case the ones you’re wearing get wet or you need more layers to stay warm; a small shovel; an ice scraper; and jumper cables. Road flares and reflective warning triangles are also helpful to ensure you can be seen or found if you get stranded on the road and need help.
Don’t put off preparing for winter until the last minute. The weather can be unpredictable, and you shouldn’t be caught off guard. By following the above tips, you can keep yourself prepared for whatever may occur during the winter season.