Winter is here, which means you need to keep your home extra safe and secure.
As you’ll know from previous years, winter is a tough time of year for homeowners.
Driveways can become blocked with snow, windows can get damaged, and intruders are out on the hunt for home’s they can breakinto.
Therefore, you need to stay one step ahead of everyone else by following this short guide on how to keep your home safe and secure this winter.
Stock Up on Replacement Keys
In winter, it’s easy for your front and backdoor keys to get lost or misplaced.
For example, you might go for a nice stroll in the snow only to arrive home and realize that you’ve lost your keys. This is why it’s important to have replacement keys so that you don’t experience the nightmare of being locked out of your home in the freezing cold.
It’s a good idea to use a key hider to store one or two of your spare keys outside. Key hiders can go pretty much anywhere, from underneath your bins to inside plant pots.
What should I do if I get locked out without my spare key?
If you get locked outside without your spare key, don’t panic. All you need to do is contact a locksmith. They’ll take care of everything, giving you some much needed peace of mind.
Keep Snow Removal Equipment in Your Garage
It’s winter, which means it’s more than likely going to snow. If it does, you need to be prepared.
This doesn’t mean stocking up on your winter clothing. Instead, it means stocking up on your snow removal equipment, from shovels to a snow blower.
You can keep this equipment in your garage. This way, when you need it, it will be ready and waiting for you.
In some situations, snow removal equipment can get you out of sticky situations. You might be late for an important meeting, or a family member might be stranded somewhere. Whatever the case might be, you’ll be able to clear your driveway and surrounding pathways with your equipment.
Regularly Inspect Your Roof
Roofs take some big beatings during the winter. From non-stop cold temperatures to pounding rain, they go through a lot. Therefore, it’ essential that you take good care of your roof.
Firstly, make sure to inspect it every week or so. Doing this will enable you spot any problems before they become severe, such as leaks.
Then, if you do spot a problem, you can call the professionals up to come over and fix it. Even if it’s a little costly, it’s more than worth it to keep your home safe.
Anticipate Power Outages
Lastly, make sure to anticipate power outages.
Power outages are incredibly common in the winter. One minute, you’re relaxing with a cup of hot chocolate watching Netflix, the next, all your electricity is down.
The best strategy is to have flashlights, candles, and portable phone chargers ready for if this happens. This way, you’ll be able to nullify the impact of the power outage.
