Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere in your home. But when the weather conditions turn to ice and snow, we often see a larger occurrence of dangerous incidents throughout Canada. By simply upgrading your home’s exterior and repairing any safety hazards, you can reduce the odds of a mishap occurring on your property. To improve your safety, try these 5 ways to accident-proof your home’s exterior this winter.
Perform a Circle Check
Doing a proper inspection is the best way to prevent any unnecessary accidents from occurring on your property. Your circle check should involve checking around your home for any damaged steps, railings, and walkways. Also, look out for any areas that are prone to ice, dangling icicles, and hidden hazards like protruding nails and wires.
Repair Problem Areas
If you find any cracks, uneven sections, broken materials, or dangers that could result in an accident, repair them immediately. Fixing any problems now will ensure that any issues don’t turn into expensive hospital bills or lawsuits down the road.
Maintain the Gutters and Downspouts
If you haven’t yet cleaned your gutters this fall, now is the time. Clogged gutters can lead to water leaks that can turn to ice on your walkways and driveway. You should also ensure that your downspouts are properly positioned so that the water is diverted away from your home and not onto the area’s where people walk.
Maintain Your Walkways
Don’t forget to check your driveway and walkways for any ice or fresh snow every morning and when you come home from work. By law, it’s your responsibility to clear the snow and ice from your sidewalks and walkways to ensure a safe passageway for others. So make sure to do the necessary shovelling and salting every day.
Install Lighting Systems
Canadian winter brings extended hours of darkness both in the mornings and at night. It’s during these times where fresh snow and ice can lead to precarious accidents. That’s why you need an advanced lighting system that can brighten your driveway, walkways, and entranceways when it’s dark out.A system that is equipped with sensors to detect motion and turn on atomically can help people stay clear of any black ice or unexpected obstacles.
If an accident was to happen on your property, are you insured? Before winter arrives in full force, it’s wise to check that your property is adequately covered and insured for the winter months. If you’re looking for optimal coverage, contact us at Rowat Insurance. We can provide you with the coverage you need in case of an incident at home!