5 Home Safety Tips While Keeping Warm this Winter

Ensure that external and internal pipes are weatherproof and make sure that there are no leaks or potential hazards. Cold weather leads to freezing, and frozen pipes can inevitably cause plumbing leaks or burst pipes, as can trapped debris and sediment. Ask a plumber to do a basic inspection every 1-2 years to ensure that everything is in order. It may seem like a small detail, but it can save you from the inconvenience of a burst or leaky water or sewerage pipe.

During winter weather, there's a definite increase in the user of heaters - whether wood, gas, infrared and coil to asbestos, oil, fan and radiator heaters. There are safety risks that come with using any type of heating, so it’s essential that you remain vigilant and adhere to the specific heating device warnings and instructions.

Here are the golden rules of household heating:

• Never use an electric oven to heat the house.
• Keep children and pets at least one metre away from all heating units.
• Never leave a heater unattended - this includes while you are sleeping.
• Open fireplaces should always have a spark guard.
• Always extinguish the fire in a fireplace before you go to bed.
• When using gas heaters and fireplaces, ensure that the room is adequately ventilated.
• Never leave a heater on when you leave the house.
• Do not place objects directly on top of heaters and leave a one-metre object free space around heating units.
• Always check cords and wiring on electrical heaters before using them and don’t use devices with frayed or damaged wiring.
• Don’t use extension cords or multi-plugs for your heaters.

When it comes to your heaters, storage is another key tip to keeping your home safe during the winter. Here is a checklist to go through during the warmer months to ensure your heaters are safe to use when the cold sets in:

• Give it a regular dusting – ensure that it’s kept free from dust and debris while being stored to avoid an increased risk of fire.
• Check functionality once a month – turn the heater on each month to check that it’s in working order.
• Check that the cord and plug are in good and working order.
• If possible, keep the heater covered to prevent build-up and grime from setting in.
• If you have a fixed fireplace, it should be maintained – an annual inspection of the insulation and chimney is a good idea. Also, keep an eye out for debris that can get trapped in the fireplace - have the chimney swept as a safety precaution every 1-2 years.

This one is necessary if you have winter rainfall or frequent ice or sleet issues. This is because a small leak can become worse in the cold due to expansion and contraction in extreme temperatures. Also, check that roof shingles, tiles or sheets are correctly waterproofed to prevent leaks. Your ceiling and insulation are essential for keeping the heat in and cold out, so it’s also a good idea to check that these are in good working order to save on your heating bill.

While you or your contractor is on the ladder inspecting your roof and ceiling, it may be a good time to check your gutters for leaves and other debris. If gutters and downpipes are clogged, clean them out to ensure water doesn’t become backed up, which can cause leaks and other long-term defects such as damp and mould.