Winter is the time of year when we spend a whole lot more time indoors. Because of this, we have more lights on, cooking more, and have heaters and holiday lights on. This all causes a draw on the electrical system of your home.
- If you trip a circuit breaker due to an overload, that is your cue to unplug something from that circuit.
- If the wiring in your home uses fuses, make sure you have a supply of extras in case you blow a fuse in the middle of the night.
- Be sure to clean out your gutters. If they are loaded down with leaves and debris, the weight when full of water can pull the gutters away from the home. This will cause a backup of water under your eaves.
- Check the batteries in your smoke detector. Replace if necessary.
- Clean out your dryer vent. Backed up lint can ignite a fire.
- Have your chimney flue cleaned. A buildup of soot can cause a fire.
- Insulate your outside water spigots using inexpensive foam covers from your local hardware store.
- Be sure you know where your water meter is and where a water shut off tool is in the event of a broken water line.
- Seal off all cracks in windows and doors. Even a small crack can make a big difference.
- If you do not remove your air conditioners from your windows, be sure to cover them with a weather-durable cover.
- Keep the outside of your home area lighted to prevent falls.