Winter is Coming! Check out these Cold Weather Recommendations

Personal safety for cooler weather

Many cost-conscious homeowners view cooler weather as the “turn off the AC but don’t turn the heat on yet” season. While this is a great cost saving measure, be careful about supplementing your personal warmth with electric blankets and heating pads. Some people use both at the same time, which poses a serious safety risk.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International says heating pads and electric blankets are the cause of about 500 fires each year. Stay safe by following these tips:

• Do not use a heating pad and an electric blanket at the same time.
• Dispose of any electric blanket or pad that has a cracked, frayed or charred cord.
• Do not put anything on top of a heating pad or an electric blanket, including other blankets or pets – you don’t want the devices to overheat.
• Do not fold electric blankets or heating pads because this can cause the heating units to crack or break.
• Turn off any heating pad or electric blanket when you’re out of the room or sleeping.
  
  

Winterizing your home

It’s also important to prepare your home for the day the heat gets turned on, and we start thinking about fireplace fires. These maintenance tips should be addressed by mid-November:

• Check the batteries in your smoke AND carbon monoxide detectors.
• Call a professional to inspect and clean your chimney or flue.
• Caulk and weather strip all doors and windows.
• Clean out your home’s gutters and repair any roof leaks.
• Have your home heating system inspected.
  

DII is your partner in home safety. Please contact your DII representative if you have any questions about winterizing your home.