As winter arrives in cities and small towns across the country, many people are ill-prepared for the havoc that frigid temperatures can wreak on their homes. The mere lack of predictability as to when the winter season will hit can send homeowners scrambling to prepare their homes or properly maintain them in the current conditions. Therefore, keeping winter home safety tips in mind at least once a year is wise advice for all customers.
If you live in an area with mild weather year-round, you probably won't have to worry about insulating pipes or dealing with frozen gutters, but some basic winter preparation is beneficial for any home, and you can let your clients know exactly what to prepare each year.
Here are some winter home safety tips you can share with your clients during your seasonal outreach efforts this year through Facebook posts and email newsletters.
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Homeowners should get into the habit of testing and replacing the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors annually. While testing, you should make note of the expiration date of your detectors. And if there is no expiration date on the device, remember that the average carbon monoxide detector lasts for 3 to 5 years. Smoke detectors usually last for 8 to 10 years.
Prepare your pipes to prevent freezing
Neglecting plumbing during the winter can have dangerous consequences. Homeowners can prevent pipes from freezing and bursting by taking preventative measures. Unheated indoor spaces, such as attics and basements, and pipes in exterior walls are most likely to freeze. Many homeowners install freeze stoppers to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, but homeowners without such devices can close indoor shutoff valves that lead to outdoor faucets.
Schedule a Furnace Inspection
Annual furnace inspections help homeowners ensure their heating systems are functioning properly and efficiently year-round. This important winter weather safety check reduces dangerous conditions that threaten a homeowner's health and the integrity of their home. It also reduces the chance of costly repair bills down the road.
Monitoring and maintenance of outdoor utility equipment
Outdoor meters and vents must be kept free of ice and snow to function as they should. Customers should be advised to carefully clean their meters and the surrounding areas regularly with a brush or broom. Homeowners should not use heat to melt ice or snow on utility meters and should use caution when clearing or shoveling these areas.
Check outdoor exhaust vents
Natural gas appliances such as furnaces, fireplaces, clothes dryers, and water heaters require vents. These vents are often plastic pipes that exit the foundation of the home. They are often located on an exterior wall. These vents must maintain proper airflow to keep the appliance working properly and the homeowner safe. Customers should check annually to make sure the vents are clear of ice, snow, and other debris and that the flap traps are not clogged.
Prevent rain gutters from freezing
Before the first snowfall, homeowners should ensure their gutters are clear of leaves, branches, and other debris. Annual gutter cleaning goes a long way in preventing water from pooling and freezing. If you see icicles hanging from your gutters, that's a good sign that it's overdue for an inspection and some action.
Chimney and fireplace inspection and cleaning
Chimneys and fireplaces are responsible for three out of 10 heating appliance-related fires. Additionally, clogged chimneys and flues can expose homeowners to carbon monoxide poisoning. As families hunker down for winter and put up holiday decorations, they may be tempted to decorate their fireplaces with trees and plants. Remind your clients to maintain a three-foot clear zone around the fireplace opening and keep this area free of flammable or combustible items.
Prepare an emergency kit and have an evacuation plan
In winter, or any year-round crisis, a well-stocked emergency kit can make the difference between safety and tragedy. Items we advise clients to keep within easy reach include a two-way radio (solar, battery, or hand-operated), flashlight, Swiss Army knife, bandages, ice scraper, jumper cables, cell phone charger, batteries, blankets, changes of clothes, foot and hand warmers, extra food and water (for pets, too), and medications. Make sure all family members know and are following the family evacuation plan. Put ID tags on pets' collars.
Looking for tips to share with your clients and advice to grow your real estate business? Read articles on marketing, branding, attracting and retaining clients, and more on the Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® Be Better blog.