Winter home safety tips: Eight ways to protect your home from the cold

A couple sitting on a sofa in their living room making a checklist.

As winter approaches, we Canadians know that with the beauty of snow-covered landscapes comes the challenge of keeping our homes safe and warm.

Indeed, cold weather can pose significant risks to both property and personal safety. From freezing temperatures to heavy snowfall, it's important to prepare your home for the season ahead. Our handy checklist contains the cold weather safety tips you'll need to prepare for the winter months.

Key takeaways

  • Start preparing before the first snow falls: To avoid being caught off guard by the first snow, begin your winter home safety preparations early by inspecting your heating system, weatherproofing your home and clearing gutters
  • Stay on top of maintenance throughout winter: Regularly shovel walkways, inspect your roof and check pipes to prevent snow and ice buildup, ensuring your home remains safe and functional as winter progresses
  • Review your insurance policy: Understand your policy’s inclusions, exclusions and coverage limits and consider add-ons for extra protection against winter-related risks

1. Inspect and maintain your heating system

Schedule a professional furnace inspection

Your furnace is the heart of your home's heating system, and regular maintenance is key to keeping it running smoothly. Before the winter chill sets in, schedule a professional inspection to ensure your furnace is in top condition. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, reducing the risk of breakdowns during the coldest days of the year.

Check and replace air filters

Air filters play an important role in maintaining your home's indoor air quality and the efficiency of your heating system. Over time, filters may become clogged with dust and debris, forcing your furnace to work harder and driving up energy costs. Make it a habit to check and replace your air filters regularly to keep your system running efficiently.

Test carbon monoxide detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless gas that can be deadly if undetected. Since heating systems can be a source of CO, which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, it's important to ensure your detectors are functioning properly. Test your carbon monoxide detectors before winter arrives and replace any old batteries to keep your home safe.

2. Weatherproof your home

Seal your windows and doors

Drafty windows and doors can significantly increase your heating costs and make your home less comfortable. To keep the warmth in and the cold out, inspect your windows and doors for drafts and seal any gaps with weather stripping or caulking. This simple step can improve your home's energy efficiency and keep your family cosy all winter long.

Insulate pipes

Frozen pipes are a common winter hazard that can lead to costly water damage. To help prevent this, insulate your home's exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements, attics and crawl spaces. Pipe insulation is an more affordable and effective way to protect your plumbing from cold temperatures.

Consider installing storm windows

If you live in an older home, consider installing storm windows to reduce heat loss and enhance insulation. Storm windows create an additional barrier against the cold, helping to keep your home warmer and reducing the strain on your heating system.

3. Take fire safety precautions

Check smoke alarms

While fires can happen year-round, with heating systems, fireplaces and space heaters all in use, they may occur more often in winter. It’s best practice to check that your smoke alarms are in working order by testing them regularly and replacing the batteries twice a year.

Maintain a safe fireplace

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it's essential to practice safe burning habits. Always use dry, seasoned wood and have your chimney cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of creosote, a flammable substance that can lead to chimney fires. Also, ensure that your fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from escaping into your living space. If you have a gas fireplace, make sure it is regularly cleaned and inspected.

Use space heaters safely

Space heaters can be a convenient way to warm up a chilly room, but they can also pose a fire risk if not used properly. Always place space heaters on a flat, stable surface and keep them at least one metre (three feet) away from any flammable materials, such as drapery or furniture. Never leave a space heater unattended, and be sure to turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed.

4. Protect your plumbing

Know how to shut off the water

Knowing how to shut off your home's main water supply can prevent significant water damage in the event of a burst pipe. Locate your main water shut-off valve and make sure everyone in your household knows how to use it. Being prepared can save you time and money in an emergency.

Drain outdoor faucets before winter arrives

Don't forget to disconnect and drain your garden hoses before winter arrives. Once that's done, insulate your outdoor faucets with foam covers to protect them from freezing temperatures. This simple step can prevent costly damage to your outdoor plumbing.

In extreme cold snaps, keep a drip going

One way to prevent pipes from freezing is to keep a small trickle of water running through them during extreme cold spells. This helps relieve pressure in the pipes and reduces the likelihood of a freeze. Be sure to run both hot and cold water through your taps to prevent freezing.

5. Prepare for snow and ice

Inspect your roof

Heavy snowfall can lead to ice dams on your roof, which can cause water to seep into your home and damage your ceilings and walls. Before the snow starts falling, have your roof inspected for any damage and clean out your gutters to ensure proper drainage. Taking these steps can help prevent ice dams and protect your home from water damage.

Clear your gutters of fall debris and install gutter extensions

Before the first snowfall, it's important to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned out. Remove any leaves, twigs and other debris that may have accumulated during the fall. This simple maintenance task ensures that your gutters can effectively channel water away from your home, preventing ice buildup and the associated risks.

To further protect your home from water damage, consider installing gutter extensions. These devices help direct water further away from your home's foundation, reducing the risk of water seepage and soil erosion. By extending the reach of your gutters, you can prevent water from pooling near your foundation, which is particularly important during winter when snowmelt can create excess runoff.

When snow falls, keep your walkways and driveway clear

Snow and ice can create hazardous conditions around your home, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Make it a priority to remove snow and ice from your walkways and driveway throughout the winter. Use de-icing products, such as salt or sand, to improve traction and reduce the risk of accidents.

6. Prepare for shorter days and darker nights too

Install or maintain exterior lights

As winter brings shorter days and longer nights, it's essential to ensure that your outdoor areas are well-lit. Install or maintain outdoor lighting to improve visibility around your property and deter potential intruders. Consider energy-efficient LED lights and motion sensors to automatically illuminate pathways and entryways when needed. Regularly check and replace bulbs to keep your outdoor spaces brightly lit and welcoming.

Invest in high-visibility gear

Poor lighting conditions during the winter season can make it challenging to see and be seen. If you're working outside (for example, when shovelling snow), investing in high-visibility gear is a practical step to enhance your safety. High-visibility gear is an inexpensive yet effective way to stay safe and prevent accidents.

Moreover, wear layers of warm clothing and take frequent breaks, especially when shovelling snow. If you're clearing icicles from your roof, wear a hardhat and safety glasses to prevent injury.

Add reflective markers to your driveway

To further improve visibility and safety, consider adding reflective markers along your driveway and paths. These markers are especially useful for winter driving during dark or inclement weather. Reflective markers can help you and visitors identify boundaries and obstacles, reducing the risk of trips and falls. Install them at regular intervals along walkways and near steps to create a clear, visible path. This simple addition enhances your outdoor safety by ensuring that important areas are clearly marked, even in low-light conditions.

7. Practice emergency preparedness

Listen to cold weather reports

Regularly check weather reports to stay updated on forecasts that include warnings for heavy snow, wind chill and other severe conditions. Understanding the impact of wind chill can help you gauge how cold it actually feels and take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and your home. Pay attention to any advisories for heavy snow, which can affect travel and increase the risk of power outages. By monitoring these reports, you can better plan for adverse weather and take timely action to ensure your safety and the safety of your property.

Create a winter emergency kit

Winter storms can lead to power outages and other emergencies, so it's important to be prepared. Create a winter emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, extra batteries, blankets and non-perishable food. Consider including a battery-powered radio to stay informed about weather updates and emergency information. Learn more about what to put in your emergency kit (also known as a grab-and-go bag).

Prepare for power outages

Power outages are more common during winter storms, and being prepared can make all the difference. Have a plan in place to stay warm, such as using extra blankets or a backup heating source like a wood stove. Keep your mobile devices charged and have an alternative light source, such as candles or lanterns, on hand.

Have a family emergency plan

Have a family emergency plan in the event of an emergency. This plan should include communication strategies, designated meeting points and a list of emergency contacts. Being prepared can help keep your family safe and reduce stress during a crisis.

8. Review your insurance policy and understand your coverage

Check your policy inclusions and exclusions

Start by carefully reviewing your current home insurance policy. Pay special attention to the inclusions and exclusions related to winter weather events. Understanding these details will give you a clearer picture of what you can expect in the event of a winter-related claim.

Consider add-ons for additional protection

Depending on your location and the specific risks you face, consider adding endorsements to your policy. For example, additional water protection that covers sewer backup and overland water may be worth considering.

Know your coverage limits

It's also important to be aware of your policy's deductibles and coverage limits. A home inventory can help you determine if your home or belongings are underinsured. If your current coverage limits seem insufficient, now might be the time to increase them.

The power of preparation

Winter in Canada can be harsh, but by taking proactive steps to prepare your home and following winter safety tips, you can stay safe and warm throughout the season. Implementing these winter home safety tips will not only protect your property but also provide peace of mind. As you get your home ready for winter, consider reviewing your home insurance coverage to ensure you're fully protected against winter-related risks.

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