HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOME ELECTRICALLY SAFE IN WINTER
It is important to make your home Winter ready in a way that it is not only warm and cozy but also electrically safe. Since the temperature might be freezing cold in the months to come, it is always good to plan a few months ahead. It can be quite a challenge to stay warm in the cold, cold winter months but here are a few tips that shall help you to make your home winter ready.
A FEW THINGS TO DO STAY ELECTRICALLY SAFE & WARM THIS WINTER:
Add an additional layer of insulation to your roofing.
To ensure that there is less heat loss, add weather-strips around caulk windows as well as doors.
Remember to trim trees, remove the dead branches, so that there’s not a lot of damage if there’s a fire.
If you stay in a province that is prone to forest fires, be sure to rake dry leaves every day.
All the water pipes that are exposed to areas that lack heat (example: garages, roofs) can be wrapped in heat tapes and insulated.
All the gutters and downspouts should be cleaned regularly so that the water is directed away from your home’s foundation.
Make sure that the steps and handrails are not slippery because of the collection of dew.
Get a reliable team to fix whatever leaks exist in the roofs and pipes.
Get a maintenance check on your heating system to ensure that it is functional, clean, and ventilated properly.
Get the fireplace inspected and checked.
Be sure that all your smoke alarms are in a working condition. Test the same frequently, and replace the batteries every 30 days.
Check the alarms in spring and autumn, when you install carbon monoxide alarms. Inhaling a lot of CO can be fatal.
Have a backup in terms of heating sources and fuel.
Turn off the electrical equipment and appliances which are not in use. For example, refrigerator, mixers, etc and so on.
Don’t overload the power point by using multiple appliances at a time.
Install an electrical safety switch and use electrical fuses of recommended rating.
Don’t leave portable heaters unattended such that children, guests, or animals can trip it over. Keep the curtains, bedding, and tablecloths away from the portable heaters. It is also a good strategy to not use portable outdoor gas heaters inside or to place them over awnings and other structures. They are flammable.
To prevent winter fires, clean the lint filter of your clothes dryer, every time after you use it.
Wet clothes should not be placed near or on the heaters or fireplace. Keep a distance of at least 1m.
No matter how cold it gets, never think of using a stove or an oven to heat up a room.
A screen should be placed in the front of a fireplace, when in use.
Because of the accumulation of toxic gases, it can prove to be fatal if you use unflued gas heaters in small rooms with no or lack of a proper ventilation.
Electrical Blanket should be in good condition. Check regularly on the Recalls Australia site that it is still safe to use. Roll up your blanket when you are storing it so that wires won’t be damaged.
Hope you will implement the above-shared tips diligently to ensure that your home is electrically safe and warm throughout the cold wintry months.