Winter is upon us, and its latest frigid temperatures have us reaching for the thermostat and attempting to recollect Grandma’s hen soup recipe. Nonetheless, earlier than you crank up the warmth, take into account a number of residence security ideas that can assist hold catastrophe at bay.
A Well-Maintained Fireplace is a Safe Fireplace
It’s crucial that you just sustain on hearth upkeep year-round, however particularly throughout these winter months when they’re getting essentially the most use.
By no means depart your hearth on unattended, even for a couple of minutes. Have your chimney checked out yearly to make sure it’s working correctly, and take away ashes out of your hearth after every hearth (the ash stage must be no multiple inch excessive from the bottom of the fireside to stop extra smoke).
Lastly, substitute the batteries in each your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm not less than as soon as per 12 months and check them as soon as monthly.
Take Caution with Crock-Pots
Whereas experts ensure us that crock-pots are technically protected to depart unattended, you will need to be aware that warning nonetheless should be taken when cooking with these high-temp home equipment. To start with, be sure your crock-pot is in good working situation. This implies no cracks within the lid or pot, and no apparent injury to the twine.
When utilizing your crock-pot, comply with the precise directions and take away all meals and particles from the quick space. In case your crock-pot ever malfunctions in any means, contemplate it a loss and throw it away.
Present Your Heater some T.L.C.
With close to or below-freezing temperatures, it’s fairly tempting to crank up the warmth to a cushty stage all winter lengthy. Nonetheless, heating your house to this extent is tough work on your furnace, particularly if you’re residence typically.
To stop your system from breaking — and leaving your house freezing or forcing you to spend an evening or two elsewhere — have it inspected by an expert each six months to a 12 months for Oregon’s typical winters. Take full benefit of your heating system’s guarantee, which can embrace free checkups.
Typical upkeep checks ought to embrace wiring inspections, thermostat checks, lubrication, and checking for obstructions within the condensate drain. Upkeep inspections also can catch carbon monoxide leaks — a detection that may in the end prevent and/or your household’s life.
By: Rebekah Harcrow
