Winter safety tips for your home
With the first snowstorm hitting the Chicago area well before the official start of winter, here are some safety tips for your home.
December and January are peak months for carbon monoxide poisoning, but less than one-third of American homes have detectors. Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors — and smoke detectors — with working batteries.
Intakes and exhausts on furnaces and hot water heaters, especially in homes built within the past 30 years, have a tendency to become blocked by sloppy and blowing snow. Clear out the area around the vents, and remove snow and ice from the pipes.
Clear dryer vents before you start drying clothes.
Do not heat your home with electric or gas ovens.
Keep three feet of space between space heaters and any surfaces that could burn, including walls and bedding. Choose space heaters with automatic shut-off in case they tip over.
Make sure holiday decorations have tightfitting connections (three-prong outlets are optimal), are away from main walkways, and are never beneath carpets or rugs.
Heavy, wet snow puts pressure on roofs of homes and buildings, especially flat ones. Removing snow yourself can be dangerous, so it's best to call a professional.
Have your furnaces and chimneys regularly inspected by a certified technician. Clogged chimneys can be made worse by snow and ice.
Only use generators outside with proper ventilation. Don't run it in the garage, and keep it as far away from the house as possible.
Look for damaged or frayed wires vulnerable to harm from snow and ice. Any bird nests near electrical fixtures should be removed.
Clean exhaust fans and filters in bathrooms and kitchens. We spend more time indoors in winter, when indoor air quality is especially important.
Furnace filters should be changed once a month.
Sources: nsc.org; comed.com; directenergy.com; Elgin Sheet Metal