Along with seasonal travel plans, staying safe the winter requires people to be prepared whether they’re on the road or staying at home.
The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes reminds families that, as they ready for seasonal guests and travel, to make winter weather preparedness a part of their holiday plans.
FLASH is offering useful tips for preventing frozen pipes, ice dams, chimney fires and more to keep families and their guests safe and comfortable throughout the holidays and the winter season.
“While we’re all preparing for visitors or planning trips to see friends and loved ones, we can make getting ready for winter weather a part of the preparations,” Leslie Chapman-Henderson, president and CEO of FLASH, said in a statement. “Thoughtful touches like holiday hand towels will be appreciated as long as the water is flowing because you have prevented your pipes from freezing.”
According to FLASH, damage from winter-related home hazards like frozen pipes, a leading cause of homeowners’ insurance claims, can cost thousands of dollars of damage and become a major inconvenience.
Tips to prepare the home include:
• Double-check or install proper attic insulation to prevent water damage from ice dams
• Ensure safe usage of fireplaces, furnaces and space heaters
• Insulate pipes to prevent costly floods from frozen pipes
• Keep walkways around the home clear of snow and ice
• Winterize windows and install window insulation kits to keep guests warm and toasty
• Prepare to stay safe and warm during power outages
Additionally, it’s important to prepare well for holiday travel, which can be treacherous in severe winter weather. Of the 17 deaths reported last year related to severe winter weather, 15 occurred in the exposed elements or in a car.
“It’s smart to prepare in case you are marooned by having a well-stocked winter storm survival kit in your car,” Chapman-Henderson said.
She suggests the following tips when making travel plans:
• Make sure other people know your travel plans and how to contact you. Travel in convoy with other vehicles if possible.
• Prepare an extreme winter weather survival kit for your car. They also make great gifts for loved ones who travel frequently during the holidays.
A kit should include:
• Non-perishable food such as canned goods or candy bars
• Extra clothes and blankets
• A battery powered radio
• A shovel
• Sand
If stranded, FLASH advises motorists to remain in their vehicle. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna so rescuers can find the vehicle. Run the engine occasionally for heat making sure to keep the exhaust pipe clear. Open windows occasionally for fresh air.
