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During the winter season, snowstorms and extreme weather conditions are inevitable. As Canada’s largest personal injury law firm, the team at Diamond and Diamond Lawyers has become very familiar with the safety concerns that winter conditions can bring. Jeremy Diamond, a Founding Partner at the company, shares some valuable tips to help ensure that your home is ready to handle the next winter storm.
1. Secure Your Home’s Exterior
Winter storms bring strong winds and heavy snowfall – two things that can seriously threaten the structural integrity of a home. As a result, it’s critical to perform routine checks throughout the season to secure your home against whatever conditions mother nature throws at it. “Inspect your home’s exterior for loose shingles, damaged siding, or compromised roofing. In addition to this, it’s important to properly seal all windows and doors to help prevent drafts,” says Jeremy Diamond.
One additional consideration that homeowners should address is the presence of any tree limbs that hang over buildings. Failure to properly remove these limbs can result in damage to homes and buildings.
2. Check Your Heating System
A functioning heating system is essential during snowstorms. “No one wants to find themselves in the middle of a blizzard without adequate heat,” says Jeremy Diamond. Not only can a lack of heat damage water pipes in a home, but it can also be a serious safety concern to those inside the home. For this reason, having a professional inspect all heating mechanisms is pivotal to help identify and address any issues.
3. Insulate Water Pipes To Prevent Freezing
When extreme cold is in the forecast, all homeowners must prepare accordingly. Frozen water pipes can lead to significant issues for homeowners. As such, it’s important to insulate any exposed water pipes in your home to help prevent freezing.
“When in doubt, one old trick that many people follow is if you allow your faucets to drip slowly, the water flow will continue and help reduce the risk of pipes bursting,” says Jeremy Diamond.
4. Emergency Power Preparedness
While we never want to think about it, the reality is that snow storms can leave people without power and electricity. Investing in a generator to provide backup power during outages is an excellent idea for homeowners. While generators are a great tool, it’s essential to make sure you know how to use them safely. Diamond and Diamond’s Safety Ambassador, Cam Woolley, has outlined several generator safety tips to consider before operating one.
@diamond_lawyers It’s time to talk about #generator safety! 💡 Our Safety Ambassador, Cam Woolley, discusses 5 mistakes that people commonly make when operating a generator. #generatorsafety #homesafety #portablegenerator #backupgenerators #safetyfirst #fyp ♬ original sound – Diamond & Diamond
5. Create a Winter Storm Emergency Kit
One very easy way to prepare for winter storms is by having a winter storm emergency kit. Below is a list of several things you should consider having on hand should a winter storm arise:
Note: this is not a comprehensive list, and everyone’s situation may differ slightly.
- Bottled Water
- Non-Perishable Food Items
- Blankets & Warm Clothing
- First Aid Kit
- Portable Chargers
- Candles and matches
Conclusion
Securing your home for a winter storm is a proactive step towards maintaining the safety and well-being of your family. By following these comprehensive tips, you can confidently navigate the challenges of winter storms. Stay safe, and stay warm!
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
