Winter is already here, and it is crucial to prepare your property for winter-related disasters. Every year, blizzards and snowstorms cause countless delays and destruction and result in thousands of dollars in property losses. Statistically speaking, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle incidents occur on snowy or icy pavements and 15 percent happen during sleet or snowfall. Not to mention are the casualties and injuries that are direct results of these incidents.
In the home, possible problems that could stem from winter accidents are water and mold damage, commonly caused by frozen or burst pipes. If repairs aren’t made in time, these minor issues could escalate and further destroy your building materials. Thankfully, professionals like ServiceMaster by LoveJoy are trained and have the correct equipment to handle these damages, so fewer losses could be expected. In order to prevent these damages beforehand, it is vital to secure the safety of everyone and everything involved. Here are some winter safety kit essentials to keep you secure this season.
Winter Safety Tips for the Home
Staying at home during the winter is no guarantee that no accidents can happen. Follow these steps from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help keep your home and family safe.
- Prepare your home. Winterize your house by installing insulation, weather stripping, and storm windows. Water lines that run along exterior walls must be insulated. Do not forget to clear out your gutters and repair roof damages and leaks.
- Inspect your heating system. Contact a professional to have your HVAC serviced to ensure that it would not break down during the winter. Check your fireplaces and chimneys and have them cleaned. Prepare safe, alternative sources of heat and fuel.
- Install a smoke detector. Smoke alarms and detectors are items that can actually save lives. Working smoke detectors must be inspected and batteries must be replaced twice a year.
- Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector to prevent poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a deadly odorless and colorless gas which could cause harm. The symptoms of CO poisoning are: dizziness, weakness, a headache, chest pain, an upset stomach, vomiting, and confusion.
- Prepare your winter weather emergency kit. Find a sturdy, waterproof container and fill it with the following items:
- A battery-operated or crank radio for news and updates about the weather
- Clothing and blankets for each family member
- First aid supplies, essential medications and necessary personal hygiene items
- Flashlights and plenty of batteries
- Heating fuel and equipment in case your regular fuel source is cut off
- Non-perishable food and water to last at least 3 days, in case you get snowed in
- Portable chargers for cell phones in case of a power outage
- Salt, or a similar product that can melt ice on walkways
- Sand to improve traction in the event you need to leave
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment in case you need to clear a snow-blocked door or walkway
Winter Safety Tips for Automobiles
Winter has already arrived, but it’s never to late to prepare your vehicle. Here are some tips from the CDC:
- Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level.
- Check the tread of your tires and if necessary, have them replaced with all-weather or snow tires.
- To avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines, keep your gas tank full.
- Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer.
Driving during winter can be challenging and difficult. If caught in a blizzard or snowstorm, car drivers must sit it out until the roads are cleared up. ServiceMaster by LoveJoy recommends to add the following items to your car emergency kit:
- A battery-operated or crank radio
- Batteries
- Blankets
- Cellphone charger
- Extra fuel
- Flashlights
- First aid kit
- Gloves, hats, and boots
- Ice scraper
- Jumper cables
- Water bottles
- Non-perishable food
- Road flares
- Tire chains
- Spare jackets
- Snow shovel
Winter Safety Tips for the Workplace
If you happen to get stranded at the office, ensure that you have prepared in advance. Your work emergency kit must include the following items:
- A battery-operated or crank radio
- A complete change of warm clothes
- Batteries
- Boots, gloves and a jacket
- Essential medications
- First aid kit
- Flashlights
- Non-perishable food
- Personal hygiene items
- Water
Winter Damage?
Get Help from ServiceMaster by LoveJoy, Georgia's Leading Water Damage Restoration Company
If a winter disaster strikes your property, the experts at ServiceMaster by LoveJoy are ready to help. We have a dedicated team of professionals and restoration specialists who can provide you with the highest level of service by responding quickly, listening to your needs, and taking action to mitigate the damage to your home or commercial property. We are an IICRC-certified firm in Conyers, Georgia and a Preferred Vendor for some of the top insurance companies in the area. We have met strict guidelines, standards, and criteria and can provide you with the best restoration services available.
We service residential and commercial properties in Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle, Dekalb County, and Fulton County, Georgia and surrounding areas.
Contact ServiceMaster by LoveJoy at (678) 293-0297 for Conyers customers and (770) 983-6665 for Roswell customers, or connect with us online to schedule an appointment.
