Winter has arrived. This time of year is filled with joy and happiness. People are hustling and bustling all over town getting ready for the holidays. It is also the time of year when an increased number of accidents occur both at home and at work. People are also susceptible to exposure to extreme cold and a multitude of other issues that can make this time of year difficult to handle. However, taking a few precautions can help to assure you this time of year is worry-free as well as full of joy and happiness both at home and at the office.
Preparing Your Home
Your home should be your safe haven. But, it needs to be prepared for the winter if it is going to keep you safe and secure. Homeowners need to take some proactive measures to assure that their home is ready for the winter. The CDC suggests the following actions:
- Install weather stripping, insulation and storm windows
- Insulate water lines that run along the house’s exterior
- Clean gutters and repair roof leaks
- Check your heating system
- Inspect and clean the fireplace and chimney
- Install smoke and CO2 detectors
Stock up for Emergencies
You never know when you will be without power or snowed in at this time of year. It is important that your home and office are always ready for emergencies just in case a situation arises. When the winter comes, take these steps to make sure you are ready for an emergency:
- Have food on hand that does not need to be cooked or refrigerated
- Make sure your cell phone is fully charged
- Have a battery-operated radio
- Have an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, and kitty litter or sand for walkways
Prepare Your Vehicles
It is important to consider the functionality of your car before the dead of winter hits. No one wants to be stranded with a broken down car in the bitter cold. Before winter arrives, make sure you perform the following tasks to assure your car is in good working order throughout the entire winter season:
- Service the radiator and make sure the antifreeze reservoir is filled
- Check tire treads
- Keep gas tank adequately filled
- Have an emergency kit that contains first-aid items, a blanket, food, a flashlight, plastic bags and a radio
- Make sure you have jumper cables, flares, and sand or kitty litter in the car at all times
Be Careful Outside
Even in the worst winter weather, we all must be outside at some point. So, it is important to take precautions to assure you stay safe. Whether you are outside for an extended period or just a few minutes, be sure you follow these safety tips:
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing; layer when necessary
- Wear waterproof boots
- Use kitty litter or sand on icy patches
- Be aware of the air temperature and wind chill factor
- Work slowly when performing outdoor chores
- Always travel with a friend and an emergency kit
- Always have a cell phone with you
Use Space Heaters With Caution
The use of space heaters is commonplace this time of year. Offices are often cold and drafty, and using space heaters is a great way to stay warm without asking a business owner or manager to raise the temperature in the entire office. However, space heaters can be hazardous if they are not treated with an immense amount of care. Never leave a running space heater unattended. The Red Cross suggests making sure these heaters are placed on a flat surface and are at least three feet away from anything flammable. Make sure all space heaters are turned off before leaving the office or going to bed.
Protect Pipes
Pipes need to be tended to carefully at this time of year. Pipes that are neglected can freeze, which can result in a costly repair job. Keep pipes from freezing at this time of year by making sure there is a constant slow trickle of water coming from the faucet. Also, open the cabinet doors to allow the pipes to be exposed to the warm air.
Be Well-Insured
Taking precautions will lessen the likelihood of an accident or other issues, but it does not guarantee that a calamity will not hit. So, it is important to make sure your insurance policies are up-to-date. Homeowners should make sure their homeowner’s and health policies are sufficient, and business owners should review their insurance policies to make sure they are adequately covered.
Winter is a fabulous time of year, and it does not need to be marred by unnecessary accidents and other mishaps. Taking the necessary precautions and making sure your home and business are adequately insured can help make this season worry-free. If you are in need of new insurance for your home or business, Marine Agency can help you. Contact one of our qualified agents for a quote today.
If you are interested in our many insurance options, give us a call today at 800-763-4775 to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives, or visit us on the web here.
