Winter home safety tips

Wintertime can be a joyous time of year, but cold temperatures and storms can also make winter a dangerous time of year. Keep yourself and your family safe with these tips:

• – Winterize your home – Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks; Insulate water lines that run along the outside areas of walls; and install weather stripping, insulation and storm windows. Don’t forget to turn off the water valve connected to faucets, test all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, and keep holiday light cords away from water and use battery-operated candles when possible.
• – Prepare your car – Check tire tread; maintain a full tank of gas and antifreeze fluid; and prepare a car kit with essentials including a first aid kit, food and water, and portable phone chargers and extra batteries.
• – Plan travels ahead – Monitor the news for weather advisories, wear weather-appropriate clothing; keep walkways and driveways clear of ice and snow with litter and sand; and take time and use the buddy system when walking outdoors or doing chores.
• – Plan for emergencies – Stock up on nonperishable food and store water reserves in clean containers; always keep your phone charged; and keep an updated emergency kit with items including flashlights, first aid kits and baby items. Always check on children and older adults in inclement weather.

Information from CDC.gov and Allcomfortservices.com