Winter Safety Tips For the Home

Protecting Your Home

Every home should have a disaster supplies kit that contains at least the basics: a flashlight or battery-operated lanterns, portable radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, bottled water/juices, nonperishable food, manual can opener, and extra blankets for warmth.

Other items to consider including in the kit are extra prescriptions and items for babies or family members with special needs. Store an ample supply of items necessary to sustain every member in the home for at least three days, in case you’re snowed or iced in.

If possible, before winter sets in, invest in an alternative heating source, such as a fireplace, propane or kerosene heater, or generator – in case of an extended power outage.

Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to make sure coverage is adequate for the type of winter weather in your area. Learn what is excluded from the policy.

Make sure auxiliary heaters and fireplaces are adequately maintained and serviced. Many fires related to auxiliary heating sources are preventable through simple maintenance. Before installing a wood-burning stove, check with local fire officials as to codes and proper installation techniques. Do not store kerosene in a non-approved container or inside your home and be sure to keep flammable materials (walls, curtains, etc.) away from all heat sources.

During the winter, drain pipes if your power goes off or if you plan an extended stay away from home. To drain, turn off the water heater and main water supply, open all faucets in the house and drain the system by keeping the valves open. Drain all toilets by holding the lever down until the tank empties.

If well water is used, the pump’s electric switch should be shut off and the pressure tank and system should be drained.

Outside the Home

Remove dead tree branches. Ice and snow, combined with winter winds, can cause limbs to snap and break and could do damage to your home.

Clean gutters. Snow and ice can build up quickly, especially if your gutters are clogged with debris. When thawing begins, water from melting ice has nowhere to drain and can back up under your roof and eaves, causing water damage to walls and ceilings. Consider buying screens to keep your gutters debris-free.

WATCH OUT FOR DEER!

Although motor vehicle-deer collisions can happen year-round, November is the month with the highest risk, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Here are some tips from ODOT to help avoid collisions with deer:

See the Signs: deer-crossing signs are posted in high-risk areas. Drive with extreme caution, especially in the posted areas.

Deer Don’t Roam A…

lone: deer often run together. If you see one deer near or crossing the road, expect that others will follow.

Danger from Dusk to Dawn: watch for deer especially at dawn and after sunset. About 20 percent of these crashes occur in early morning, while more than half occur between 5 p.m. and midnight.

Safety Begins Behind the Wheel: always wear safety belts, avoid distractions and drive at safe, sensible speeds for road conditions