Winter has settled in Ontario with long stretches of freezing temperatures. This season has brought harsh weather conditions with high winds, heavy snow, and freezing rain, all of which can pose significant risks to your home.

To avoid any unwelcome issues during these difficult months, here are some practical steps to safeguard your property:

Safety Alarms

• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home. In fact, it’s required by law: Kitchener Fire Department Home Safety Reminders
• Regularly test these alarms and change their batteries to ensure they function properly
• Don’t forget about the newly-established provincial “Test Your Smoke Alarm” Day. September 28 is now the provincial Test Your Smoke Alarm Day created to remind residents to test their smoke alarms around their house – set a calendar reminder!

Heating Systems

• Check that your furnace, wood stove, and other heating devices are in good working order
• Schedule annual inspections and maintenance for all heating systems
• Replace or clean furnace filters during the heating season to maintain efficiency and reduce the chance of the filter catching fire

Vacation Precautions

• If you’re leaving your home during winter, keep the heat on at a low setting
• Ask a trusted person to periodically check on your home. Have them run water taps and flush the toilets to help prevent frozen pipes

Plumbing Care

• Use all plumbing fixtures occasionally to keep water flowing and prevent freezing
• Familiarize yourself with the location of your home’s water shut-off valves to act quickly in case of emergencies

Attic and Roof Checks

• Look for frost in the attic, which might indicate inadequate insulation or ventilation
• Monitor your roof and eavestroughs for ice dams and icicles, which can cause water damage

Snow and Ice Management

• Clear snow and ice from sidewalks and entryways to prevent accidents and damage
• Ensure snow does not block gas meters, vents, or basement windows to avoid carbon monoxide buildup or flooding

Exterior Preparations

• Remove garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets to prevent freezing. Turn off outside water sources to prevent freezing
• Trim tree branches close to your home to prevent damage from snow or wind

Pipe Insulation

• Insulate any exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing. You can use insulation sleeves or wraps for this purpose

By following these steps, you can protect your home from these harsh realities of winter, ensuring both your safety and the longevity of your property. Remember, proactive measures can significantly reduce damage and potential insurance claims.

Special thanks to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) for the idea and inspiration for this blog post.

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Staebler Insurance is a general insurance broker specializing in car insurance, home insurance, small business, and commercial insurance. Staebler brokers proudly serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Listowel, Fergus, Elora, Wellington County, Perth County, Waterloo Region, the Greater Toronto Area, Golden Horseshoe, and the rest of beautiful Ontario. Get a Quote to get started today.