Winter has officially begun, and just as each season brings different conditions and risks, winter can stand out for bringing some more than the others. Being cautious and preventing accidents can sound more difficult than it really is. That is why we bring you a series of winter tips that should help us stay safe during the coldest time of the year. One of the main risks of this season is suffering damage due to snow in our or one of our properties. Although it may seem strange, fires and electrical damage are also quite common problems if we are not careful with Christmas decorations. We must not forget to inspect our heating systems either, as they are a fundamental part when preparing for winter.
Beware of damage that snow can cause
Snow damage is one of the most common things we can experience during the winter. Snow accumulates on roofs, and its weight increases day by day, which can cause damage to our roof. That is why we should take care to remove the snow when it accumulates to avoid greater damage. If we cannot do it ourselves, there are professionals dedicated to this activity. Although they represent an extra cost, the alternative would be much worse.
Do not overload home sockets
We all like to see our house lit up and decorated in every corner, the lights of all colors throughout the house create a very jovial and Christmassy atmosphere. We must be careful, however, and avoid overloading our electrical installation. We could cause damage to the internal wiring of our home, and in some cases even burn it, which could cause a fire inside the house.
Review the heating system and associated devices
Depending on where we live, temperatures can drop so low that turning on the heating or stove will be the only solution to withstand the intense winter cold. For this reason, we must check the good condition and operation of our heaters, fireplaces, and any other device we use to keep warm.
Keep your driveways free of snow
One of the most obvious, but also most important tips for winter is to keep all entrances to the house free of snow and ice. Not only for us, but a slippery entrance could cause us problems if someone gets injured because of us. So let’s not forget to take the shovel from time to time, and remove the snow and ice. If we want we can also add anti-slip or anti-freeze products so we don’t have to do it so often.
Driving safely when temperatures drop
For most of us, our routine will not change, regardless of the cold or the heat. So we will continue to take the car to go to work, to do the shopping or to pick up our children from school. We must be much more cautious when driving in cold conditions. We recommend removing ice and snow from the car (roof, windscreen, doors, hood, lights…), waiting a few minutes for the car to warm up and making sure the road is not icy. Also remember to respect the speed limits, and as far as possible, drive more slowly than you normally would, while increasing the safety distance from other vehicles you may encounter.
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