Winter is upon us, and already the weather has begun to take a turn for the worse in many climates worldwide. Recent storms in the UK have wreaked havoc to the point of being snowed in some places. And the season has only just begun. While the holiday season is a beautiful time of the year, it is hazardous, so staying safe over Christmas becomes a necessary part of the winter experience.
Drive Carefully in Hazardous Weather
The drastic change in seasonal climate brings hazardous weather to most regions. Milder parts of the world are no stranger to snowstorms, icy conditions, and torrential rain and floods. It is, therefore, essential you drive carefully, or you might need the service of a personal injury firm like Mitch Grissim and Associates. The chances of an incident increase significantly when on the road in winter conditions. Reduced visibility, skidding, and side winds can make driving a much more complicated affair. Check the weather before you leave and stay home if advised.
Prepare for a Snow-In
The chances of a snow-in depends on where you live. But it can happen when you least expect it. For example, a group of customers in a Yorkshire, UK pub were recently snowed-in for three days following storm Arwen. Fortunately, being a pub, there was plenty of food and drink. But you may not have the luxuries on hand. Therefore, if you live in an area where heavy snowfall can occur, it is advised you stock up on essentials just in case. Water, canned or convenience foods, and toiletries will make a massive difference to your experience if such an event should happen.
Maintain Your Gutters
There are many vital components in your home, but the gutters are often overlooked. Guttering is the primary method by which excess water is drained away from your property and dispersed correctly. Blocked guttering causes severe problems such as:
- Damp
- Mold
- Bacteria
- Leaking
- Damaged walls and ceilings
- Foundation instability
- Rotted wood
If your gutter is blocked, this cannot happen. And in winter, there is an increased chance of a clogged drain from ice blocks and frozen debris like dead leaves and branches. Clear away as much as you can, or call a professional if required.
Grit Your Driveway
As mentioned, winter brings extreme cold and ice. Unfortunately, much of this will accumulate on your driveway or path. In the United States alone, over 1 million people are injured due to slipping on ice during the colder months. While there’s not much you can do when out and about, you can protect yourself at home by simply gritting your driveway. You will significantly reduce the risk of injury as you make your way to your car each cold and crisp morning. To grit correctly, remove the top layer of snow with a shovel and brush. Apply the grit evenly over the area and never use warm or hot water. It will refreeze quicker and may turn to black ice.
Save Some Money for Extra Heating Expenses
It sometimes seems like there is no end to the rising cost of living. Food, water, taxes, and utilities prices increase all the time. So much so that year on year, the number of people struggling to heat their homes properly over winter increases. Tragically, this leads to untimely deaths from cold-related conditions like flu and pneumonia. A figure which is higher for the elderly. This shouldn’t be happening in 2021, but it is helpful to save a little money now to help you later on. You can put this extra cash towards the expense of higher gas usage.
Secure Your Home
Of course, the elements aren’t the only risk to your health and fortune over Christmas. Unfortunately, crime never stops, and criminals may wish to take advantage of the holidays. In addition, people visit others over this period, so many homes are left empty. Also, there’s the added attraction of possible expensive gifts under your tree. Therefore, it would be best if you took extra measures to protect your home during the holidays. Lock doors and windows, and leave lights on. Additionally, you can install smart security devices that connect to your smartphone.
