With winter just around the corner, there’s no better time than now to dish out our top winter safety tips. Check them out below.
Switch to Winter Tires
One of the most important winter safety tips to get done early before the snow arrives is switching to your winter tires. These will reduce the risk of collisions, keeping you, your family, and other drivers safer on messy winter roads. Also, don’t forget to stock your vehicle with winter essentials like a snow brush, warm blankets, a flashlight, shovel and a bag of sand or kitty litter in case you get stuck on slick ice.
Get the Gutters Cleaned
Ice dams can quickly form if the gutters are clogged with leaves. This can lead to icicles which can create dangerous situations if they land on your vehicle or injure someone. Have the gutters cleaned once the trees have shed their leaves.
Test Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fire hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning increase during the winter. Whether you have a gas or wood-burning fireplace, take a moment to test your fire and carbon monoxide detector. Remember always to monitor a wood-burning fire and never toss any random items into it.
Keep Pathways Clear and Salted
As a homeowner or business owner, it’s your responsibility to keep the walkways in front and around your property cleared from snow and ice. Keep your shovel or snowblower on hand and stock up on salt so you have plenty to keep those areas safe to walk on. For interiors, place non-slip floor mats down near entranceways and mop up any residue from the snow that could cause slip and falls.
Trim Overhanging Branches
If any precarious branches linger over the driveway, your home or near electrical wires, trim them back. The heavy snow and ice could cause them to snap and damage anything near or below them.
Prevent Burst Pipes
If you’re planning to go on vacation or even just staying with family for a few days, make sure to leave the heat on and have a neighbour check in on your property to avoid dealing with freezing, burst pipes. Make sure your pipes are properly drained to minimize this risk.
Have Your Furnace Inspected and Maintained
To ensure your furnace is ready to take on the intense winter season, it’s worth having it inspected and serviced. Keep the area around the unit clear and change the air filter every month.
If you need home insurance, auto insurance, commercial insurance, and any other form of coverage, contact our team at Rowat Insurance today to get a quote.