Winter is beautiful but comes with a set of risks. Wind chill can cause frostbite; freezing rain can cause road hazards; and Nor’easters can cause more damage than hurricanes. Now is the best time to prepare for those potential hazards.
Here are some fast, smart, and simple steps you can take to ensure a safer winter in your home.
Perform Heating System Maintenance Now
Give your heating system a test run now to detect any problems. Clean the filters and ducts to remove dust and debris. If you have a propane or oil furnace, make sure the fuel storage tank is topped off and ready to go. Never run a system that is operating poorly as it can pose a serious safety hazard. If you detect any problems, call a professional immediately.
Consider a Smart Thermostat
Once your system is working properly, consider using a smart thermostat that can be controlled remotely. This can help manage utility bills and heating costs while still making sure your home is safely warm for your arrival each day.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise. This will create an updraft and bring warm air down for more even heating and save on heating costs.
Be Sure Your Home Security System Includes a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas which is poisonous to humans. The fumes can cause sleepiness and disorientation making it difficult for those suffering from its effects to react quickly or effectively enough to save themselves. A monitored carbon monoxide detector is the best tool to alert residents and authorities that there is a serious emergency.
Protect Your Pipes
Protect pipes in uninsulated spaces, such as in the attic or crawlspace, by wrapping them with electrical heating tape then insulate them with foam insulation.
Install Environmental Detectors
Environmental detectors can notify you when detecting extreme temperatures, leaking, or flooding, helping to minimize potential damage.
Stay on Top of Severe Weather Alerts
Don’t be caught off guard. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management provides a number of ways to get weather alerts, including by text, call, and on social media. Check out the website for a full list of ways you can connect to this valuable resources. http://www.state.nj.us/njoem/plan/winter.html
GuardMe Security is always at the forefront of protection security. We design, install, and service any type of system you may need from fire, security and access control to professional monitoring. Our mission has always been to provide custom integrated systems based on the very specific needs of each client. If you have any questions about security systems, please give us a call today.