When winter approaches, it is time to inspect the safety of your home and prepare for the months to come. One of the most important items to consider is your heating system; both your furnace and chimney need an annual inspection/cleaning.
Invest in carbon monoxide detectors for both living quarters and bedrooms. Once you install them, test them to make sure they are fully operational in the location you choose. Pay attention to the installation instructions, because placement can affect performance.
Power outages are an inconvenience during these months, but you can be prepared. Store working flashlights in many locations of your home. Keep several gallons of drinking water in storage. And stock your pantry with non-perishable items. In the event of a power outage, you’ll want to keep your refrigerators and freezers closed.
Finally, if you are a snowbird and head south for the winter, check your home insurance policy to make sure you don’t create a vacant-home situation. The typical homeowners policy considers the home vacant somewhere between 30 and 60 days of non-occupancy.
