With winter chills already upon us, Business Consumer Alliance asks, “Is your home and vehicle winter ready?” Whether you’re experiencing crisp brisk conditions or braving harsh biting frost, there are steps you can take for greater wintertime safety in
your home and car.
HOME
When winterizing your home consider these tips:
- Insulate your doors, attics, pipes, and exterior water lines.
- Allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Add weather stripping to doors and windows.
- Caulk cracks around windows and doors to eliminate drafts.
- Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.
- Be sure to keep clear and vent all fuel-burning equipment.
Before the chill sets in, clear rain gutters and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm. Repair roof leaks and maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Hire
a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow or water if drains on flat roofs are not functioning properly. Alternative heating sources, such as personal heaters, pose additional
risk for house fires so it is important that the whole family learn fire safety procedures and how to use a fire extinguisher. It is also wise to install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the heating source. Test detectors
monthly and replace batteries twice a year. Learn how to shut off utilities in case of an emergency.
Don’t forget about your pets either. If possible, bring them indoors when temperatures drop. If you can’t bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they have access to unfrozen water.
VEHICLES
Avoid dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for vehicle maintenance. To prepare your vehicle for severe conditions consider the following suggestions:
1. Clean, flush, and put new antifreeze in the cooling system every two years.
2. Keep the gas tank at least half full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
3. Make sure heaters, defrosters, and wipers work properly.
4. Use winter wiper blades and cold weather washer fluid.
5. Check tire tread depth and pressure.
6. Make sure interior and exterior lights work and headlights are aimed properly.
Just like your home, you should have an emergency kit in your car. Here are some items you may want to include:
- Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries
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- Extra hats, coats, and mittens
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- Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
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- Flashlight with extra batteries
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- Canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
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- Non-perishable snack food
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- Bright colored flags or help signs
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- Waterproof matches and a can to melt snow for water
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About Business Consumer Alliance:
Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) is a non-profit which started in 1936. The broad purpose of BCA is to promote business self-regulation. BCA's mission is achieved by assisting consumers in resolving complaints with businesses and using that complaint information,
along with other relevant information like customer reviews, to forecast business reliability. With community support, BCA can identify trustworthy and ethical businesses and warn the public to avoid unscrupulous businesses whose purpose is to defraud the
marketplace. BCA obtains its funding from member businesses who support the mission and purpose of the organization and who agree to abide by high standards of ethical business practices.