Winter poses many unique challenges to homeowners - snow, cold temperatures and indoor hazards. Knowing the following basics can keep you and your home safe.

Fire
Government of Ontario statistics from 1995 to 2001 show a distinct pattern: the incidence of home fires from October to March can be 60% higher than in the summer months. The main reasons were smoking, accidents, cooking, the use of matches and lighters, and heaters.

In winter the heat is turned up, space heaters are brought out of storage and fires are lit in the hearth. It is important to ensure that all of these are in proper working order and any flammable materials are kept at a safe distance. For detailed information about fireplace safety please visit this article in our Library

During the holidays, many people decorate their homes with trees, ornaments and candles. If you have a live tree ensure the base of the tree is kept moist. Ornaments and candles should be kept out of reach of pets and small children. Also ensure your fire detectors are functioning by testing with a match. It's a good idea to replace the batteries every six months.

Now is also a good time to think about getting a carbon monoxide detector. If you have a fireplace, a gas stove or other gas appliances it is important to be vigilant - carbon monoxide is an odourless colourless poison. If you already have one, replace batteries every six months when you replace those in your fire detector.

Heat Loss
Canadian winters are not only chilly they can be expensive! If your home has poor insulation, inefficient windows, and leaks your heating bills will be higher than they should be.

Single pane windows, which are common in older homes, allow an exchange of heat from the inside with cold from the outside. You may want to consider replacing them with more efficient double pane windows with insulating gases between the layers of glass. It may take you a while to recoup your costs but new windows will reduce cold drafts and can improve the appearance of your home.

Electric wall plugs and switches can allow cold air to flow from unheated inner walls to heated living areas. You can purchase simple-to-install, pre-cut foam gaskets that fit behind the switch plate and effectively prevent leaks.

When your fireplace is not in use, remember to close the damper. An open damper will allow heat to escape up the chimney. It's essential to open the damper when a fire is burning - smoke and carbon monoxide are among the unhealthy byproducts of combustion. Closing the damper once the fireplace has cooled is one of the easiest ways to save energy.

Heating
Many people simply turn up their thermostat when winter winds send a chill through their homes without first doing an examination of the furnace. An improperly functioning furnace can pose health and safety risks. Depending on the type, a malfunction can result in costly inefficiency or at worst release dangerous carbon monoxide or be a fire hazard. An inspection of older furnaces is a wise precaution. Replacing the filter every three to four months is a simple way to help remove dust and particles from the air in your home. In recent years, high efficiency filters have become available. One of these, the Filtrete from 3M, can capture up to 30 times more dust and allergens (e.g. pet dander, pollen) then standard fiberglass filters.

Build-up of Ice and Snow on Your Roof
Ice and snow can add hundreds of pounds of weight to your roof. A build-up can lead to wall and ceiling cracks, even roof collapses. To protect your home, shovel off snow after a heavy snowfall if it can be done safely. Snow can often turn into a crust of ice that will continue to build during the winter especially if your roof is warm. A warm roof is often the result of a warm attic. Heat from living areas can enter the attic if there is poor insulation. Not only will proper insulation reduce the ice build-up, it can also reduce your heating bills!

Outdoor Chores
Of all the winter activities available we likely think of hockey, cross country skiing or skating before we think of perhaps the most common activity of all: shoveling snow. This winter chore can help burn calories, but it can also put people at risk for a heart attack or back injury according to Dr. Thomas Simmer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. He recommends standing facing the snow you're about to shovel. Keep your back straight, your knees bent, and throw the snow forward. Avoid throwing snow over your shoulder. Twisting while throwing snow behind you can cause back strain. One of the safest methods is simply to push the snow without actually lifting the shovel.

Physical exertion in cold temperatures can put a strain on the body so it's wise to do some stretches first to warm up. Avoid large meals before shoveling snow. Remember to take a break to replenish fluids during large jobs. Also take a moment to stand up straight and stretch.

Taking a few precautions can help keep yourself and your home safe all winter and let you enjoy all the fun a Canadian winter has to offer!

Return to: Home Safety TIPS

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