Winter Safety: At Home

Winter weather is quickly approaching north central West Virginia. Beyond the inconvenience of snow and discomfort of single digit temperatures, winter storms can cause serious damage. Protecting your home is very important during the winter months.

Water lines and gutters need to be properly cared for and maintained to reduce the chances of water damage to your home. If water pipes running into a house are exposed to the brutal temperatures winter brings, the water pipe can freeze and burst causing a flood. Ice that is stuck in gutters can cause water to seep into a house’s interior walls causing water damage.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is at its highest during the winter months. This is because people are turning up their heating systems and warm their cars in enclosed garages. Carbon monoxide doesn’t single anyone out, however, infants, the elderly, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or breathing problems are more prone to illness or death from carbon monoxide.

Check out these tips on how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home:

· Never start your car and leave it running in the garage

· Don’t use a gas oven to heat your home

· Vent gas appliances properly

· If you have a chimney, have it checked and cleaned each year

· Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors

· Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage

· Have your heating system, water heater, or any other gas burning appliance serviced yearly by a qualified technician

If a carbon monoxide detector is going off in your home, exit immediately. Call your fire department or 911. Make sure everyone and all pets are outdoors. Never return inside unless emergency responders have given you permission.

When winter weather comes to town, it’s another reminder to get your home prepared for the upcoming months. Make sure you follow steps to keeping your house safety sealed against cold winds as well as safe from inside dangers.