Winter brings cooler temperatures, harsher weather conditions, seasonal illnesses, and other changes that require attention to keep your family, home, and property safe and sound.
Adding traditional protection measures, such as alarm systems with 24/7 Central Station Monitoring and security cameras, is an important safeguard. Additional steps should also be taken beyond these measures.
Failing to inspect and service critical home components can lead to potential accidents and possibly cost lives. These components include roofs, gas fireplaces, furnaces and oil burners, pipes, and HVAC systems.
During the winter and holiday season, it's important to ensure safeguards and security measures throughout your home and property.
Consider pairing protective measures with accompanying smart technologies through the Alarm.com app. These technologies enhance fire and life safety, energy and wellness, remote monitoring, and more.
Below, we'll outline our top tips to protect your family, home, and property in winter.
Proper maintenance of gas fireplaces, space heaters, and other gas-fueled appliances prevents carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. Gas-fueled appliances include stoves and grills. Interior space heaters powered by oil, gas, propane, or electricity also require these precautions to safeguard against carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.
Because this lethal gas poses tremendous health risks, especially during cooler winter months, regular inspection is important. Inspect chimneys, gas furnaces, HVAC systems, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
SMART WINTER SAFETY TIP: Directly connect carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to your alarm system's 24/7 Central Station Monitoring service for real-time alerts and responses.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are essential because smoke and carbon monoxide are dangerous and even fatal. Fire and life safety devices must be regularly checked and inspected to ensure proper functionality.
Listen for rapid or intermittent beeping or chirping sounds. Both could indicate low battery levels or other malfunctions.
These sounds can also warn about the presence of carbon monoxide in the home. If so, emergency personnel and first responders must be notified immediately. All occupants should leave the premises.
SMART WINTER SAFETY TIP: Regularly inspect and check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and replace batteries during fall and spring daylight savings time.
“With winter bringing cooler temperatures, harsher weather conditions, and other seasonal changes, it's important that your family, home, and property remain safe and sound.”
Clearing roofs and gutters of falling leaves prevents winter damage. Late fall is usually the best time to clear these areas of leaves and other debris. If left unchecked, clogs can lead to excess moisture and potential flooding.
This is also an appropriate time to check the home's roof and chimney. Look for issues such as loose shingles, bricks, bird and insect nests, and other potential problems.
SMART WINTER SAFETY TIP: Check and clean gutters and chimneys yearly as a best practice.
Fixing drafty areas caused by air leaks around windows and doors can save energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these savings range between 10 and 20 percent.
Air pockets could also be present near electrical outlets, pipes, floorboards, and other fixtures. To minimize drafts, consider adding insulation and weatherstripping. Focus specifically on larger areas where heat can easily escape.
HVAC systems should also be regularly serviced and inspected for optimal performance.
SMART WINTER SAFETY TIP: Add smart locks and contact sensors to windows and doors for real-time separation or breach alerts.
Taking extra precautions before winter prevents costly frozen-pipe bursts. Leaks and moisture are a year-round concern, but winter preparation is critical.
Turn off all outdoor water sources. These include hoses and garden spigots. Have sprinkler systems blown out to prevent additional damage. You can do this yourself, or have your sprinkler system company conduct this once temperatures consistently drop below freezing.
Keep interior temperatures at a reasonable level, whether you're home or away. Shutting the heat down or setting thermostats too low can lead to frozen pipes. If you travel often or frequently spend time at another location, consider adding smart thermostats. These allow you to control and schedule heating and cooling according to usage for added energy efficiency and cost savings.
For flooding concerns, the Alarm.com Smart Water Valve + Meter can quickly identify leaks and moisture. This Z-wave water shutoff valve automatically provides data and insights on water usage to maximize efficiencies.
SMART WINTER SAFETY TIP: Add flood and temperature sensors to safeguard your home from possible moisture and water damage. Even when you're not home, smart technologies will send a real-time warning to your mobile phone should an issue arise.
Maintaining furnaces, boilers, and HVAC systems is important, whether your home is heated by gas, oil, or another energy source. Regular inspections, service, and cleaning by a licensed professional are essential.
Furnace and air-conditioning return and supply vents should be checked regularly to ensure optimal functionality. If using a central heating and air conditioning system, periodically replace filters. This helps ensure ideal air quality and energy efficiency.
SMART WINTER SAFETY TIP: Set a reminder in late fall to schedule HVAC system maintenance and inspection visits.
Ensure outdoor furniture is securely tied down and wrapped, or safely stored. Outdoor furniture includes tables, chairs, and umbrellas.
Disconnect propane grills and other gas-driven equipment. This protects against fires, leaks, and other hazards.
SMART WINTER SAFETY TIP: Consider adding smart stove and grill guards with real-time monitoring and automatic shut-off.
Proper pool maintenance before the cooler months and throughout winter helps avoid problems. Many homeowners neglect this step until late spring, but early action prevents problems.
Ensure pools are securely covered to prevent algae and other debris buildup.
SMART WINTER SAFETY TIP: Adding smart technology contact sensors to outdoor gates, pool decks, and other areas prone to safety hazards provides real-time alerts should any of these become breached or disturbed.
Security cameras monitor activities within and around the home, whether you're there or not. Doorbell cameras and indoor/outdoor security cameras deter thieves, vandals, and other unwanted guests.
Besides surveilling deliveries, guests, and other visitors, remote monitoring keeps homeowners informed about any dangerous weather-related concerns. Cameras capture in real time any damage caused by ice, snow, powerful winds, and other winter hazards.
SMART WINTER SAFETY TIP: Download the Alarm.com app to your mobile device for easy check-ins, communication, and remote viewing of your home and property when you cannot be there.
Winter safety precautions include conducting vehicle maintenance. This includes oil changes, tire pressure checks, windshield wiper inspections, and other important functions. Doing so, and driving safely, can be the difference between arriving at your destination safely, or suffering accidents and injuries, or worse.
These tips are valuable year-round but hold extra significance during the winter months. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, 24 percent of weather-driven vehicle accidents are caused by snow, slush, and ice conditions.
Checking weather reports within your community and route should be completed prior to departure. This helps avoid risks associated with impending ice or snowstorms. Remember, nothing is worth risking your family's safety!
Always keep an emergency kit in your car or truck to help avert issues associated with inclement weather or poor vehicle maintenance. Include essentials such as shovels, ice scrapers, jumper cables, roadway reflectors, cell phone chargers, and first aid items.
SMART WINTER SAFETY TIP: Consider adding an Alarm.com Connected Car tracking device. This provides real-time information on the vehicle's exact location, should first responders require your position. It also stores important maintenance records and service reminder updates.
Maintaining healthy habits and hygiene practices is imperative because illnesses such as the common cold, flu, and coronavirus are more active during cooler, drier months. Frequent handwashing and sanitizing should be part of a daily routine. Staying home when you're not feeling well helps stave off infectious community spread. Keeping your home germ-free is also recommended. Frequently spot-clean high-traffic surfaces such as doorknobs, counters, sinks, and faucets.
Adding a dehumidifier and an air purification system can help improve indoor moisture and air quality. Dry, stagnant air is often a breeding ground for germs that can lead to potential illnesses.
SMART WINTER SAFETY TIP: Practice healthy hygiene, and stay home if you're not feeling well.
Winter months can be lonely for even the most socially outgoing people because of shorter, cooler days. However, for the elderly living alone, this can be especially dangerous.
Ensuring these loved ones have essential items in case of emergencies is important. Set a reminder to check on them regularly, especially if they have limited mobility.
If you cannot be there in person, use our high-resolution indoor cameras to monitor daily activities in living spaces via two-way audio and video. Use these cameras in tandem with Alarm.com’s Wellness – a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) – which sets and monitors important schedules (medication, diet, sleep, and more). An in-app report also provides insights regarding any changes or disruptions.
Spending time outdoors during winter months is still a must for those who enjoy activities such as ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding. While this can be fun, it can quickly become problematic without proper outerwear, footwear, and other protective gear.
To ward off frostbite and hypothermia, ensure everyone wears a lined winter coat. Hats, gloves, scarves, and boots are also important for keeping hands and feet warm since these body parts are most likely to experience frostbite. Should you fall victim, immediately seek shelter and monitor for loss of feeling in affected areas and a pale appearance.
Hypothermia is characterized by an extreme drop in body temperature. Watch for shivering, memory loss, slurred speech, and extreme fatigue. If you or anyone you're traveling with is experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
SMART WINTER SAFETY TIP: If venturing outside in cold temperatures, wear protective outerwear and footwear.
Whether operating a snowblower or shoveling, both can be dangerous. Both lead to fatigue and cardiovascular risks, such as heart attacks.
To avoid overexertion, the American Heart Association recommends taking frequent breaks. Avoid shoveling immediately after eating and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
If you've recently had a medical condition, it's always best to seek the advice of your doctor prior to resuming any physical activities.
Precautions when operating snowblowers include keeping your hands a safe distance away from blades and rotors. Turn off the ignition if it becomes stuck or jammed. Check for gas leaks and other hazards.
SMART WINTER SAFETY TIP: Look for warning signs of frostbite, hypothermia, and other health-related concerns when shoveling or operating snowblowers.
Discuss with your family what should be included in your home safety plan and winter emergency kit. This will provide critical assistance during dangerous situations.
The Red Cross suggests that homeowners include emergency kit staples such as water, non-perishable food items, flashlights, batteries, and other essentials.
SMART WINTER SAFETY TIP: Download this free Home Safety Checklist from General Security to get started!
When developing your winter safety plan, it's best to work with a reputable service provider, such as General Security, for guidance. Request a free quote to learn more!