Five Home Tips for a New England Winter
Even though winter doesn’t officially begin until December 21, in New England, it’s been winter. During the winter months, the days are shorter and the cold nights are longer, making us spend more time indoors. With you and your family spending more time in your home, it’s important to keep you all safe during storms, blizzards, and more. Here are a few ways to keep your home safe during the winter months.
Prepare for Winter Storms
Even though New England is prone to get snow as early as October, before the big snowfall of the year, check the condition of your snow shovels, gloves and window scrapers. Move and store snowy-weather supplies near the door where you can access them easily during or after a storm. Keeping the pantry stocked with food, bottled water, candles and flashlights in case of power outages is always a good idea.
Keep an Eye on Trees.
If you live near the woods or have a lot of trees around your home or apartment, keep an eye on the trees during a storm. A buildup of heavy snow on tree limbs can make them more prone to breaking. If you can, try to brush snow off tree limbs after each big snowfall. You can use home items like a shovel or a broom to extend your reach. If a limb does fall, have it removed as soon as the weather permits.
Let in The Fresh Air
It may be really chilly outside, but that’s no reason to keep the windows locked tight. Shutting up the house lets indoor pollutants accumulate, especially if it’s fairly new and therefore airtight. Let in the cool, crisp air of early winter by opening the windows for a few minutes a few times a week to let the fresh air in and pollutants out. Our friends at Fuel Services does have air purifiers that you can use in your home if you do not wish to open your windows. Click here to learn more.
Prevent Icy Hazards
Take steps to deal with any home issues that could prove dangerous in icy weather, like ice dams from your gutter and on your roof pushing water into your home. Turn off water to exterior faucets, drain them, and leave them open throughout the winter to minimize chances of frozen, burst pipes. Other icy hazards include making sure outdoor stair railings aren’t wobbly, which could cause someone to slip and fall on iced-over steps. Have salt prepared to throw on your steps after an icy storm. Wrap exposed piping in your basement and garage with heat tape, which will keep water flowing freely in cold snaps.
Snow Removal
Either during or soon after each storm, clear snow and ice from walkways. If you have a snow blower, make sure to fuel up before the storm, in case it’s suddenly needed. If you are using a shovel, try to go out and clear the snow every 3-4 inches. If you wait until the snow is frozen and heavy, it will be significantly worse to shovel, and on your back! And as always, please keep shovel a path and have easy access to your oil tank so that your heating oil can be safely delivered to your home.
Winter in New England can be beautiful. Taking these preventative steps can help your family safely enjoy winter this season. Have questions on heating oil delivery during the winter months? Contact us today.
