While snowfall is magical and pretty here in Alaska, winter is really the most dangerous time for homeowners. There are many factors that could go wrong if careful protection and upkeep is not set in place. Here is a list of things you can do to help maintain a happy home this winter!
Clear paths of ice and snow - Keeping up with shoveling and snow blowing is key in making sure your driveway and sidewalks are safe and ice-free. It is important to be a good neighbor during the winter and to clear any sidewalk paths in front of your home (there are children who need it to get to their bus or for pedestrians who need to use the sidewalk to avoid the dangers of the road). In order to prevent slipperiness, you can use pet and plant-safe ice melt to provide traction and by putting flags at the ends of your driveway, you know where to stop shoveling when the snow gets too deep. If you are planning on going away this winter do not forget to hire someone to come and clear up your driveway and paths while you are away. This is the number one safety concern during the winter!
Prevent frozen pipes - when water in your pipes freeze, it expands and can and will burst your pipes causing awful damage that you will not want to have to deal with during these freezing months. Make sure to keep your heat no lower than 55 degrees, insulate your pipes if necessary by windows or doors, make sure your outside faucet is disconnected from your hose and if you believe that your pipes are prone to freezing, the theory is that running water cannot freeze so you should keep your faucets dripping slightly.
Protect your flooring - it happens every winter, your mudroom or front entry hallway gets completely covered in tracked-in snow, ice and salt which cause damage to your flooring. In order to protect your floors from this harsh time of the year, set out waterproof rubber mats for everyone to leave their shoes on, have boot scrapers outside your door to brush off excess snow off your boots and get durable floor mats for inside and outside your door. These are important steps to take if you want to help the longevity of your floors!
Check smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors - This is actually a monthly task you should be checking off every month, but it is especially important in the winter since windows are closed and we are using a lot more of our furnaces, heat, and fireplaces.
Fix drafts - If you feel a cool breeze at your feet in the kitchen or hear the wind blowing through your windows, make it a priority to get these things fixed - you will notice right away the difference and your house will stay warmer and will become more energy efficient!
Watch your trees - Alaska sees some big snowfalls so it is important to keep an eye on the trees around your home and streets. If any limbs or branches are in reachable distance, ease the burden on them by brushing off the snow. If you see a potential problem with a tree that can cause danger, it is best to call a professional arborist to come and check it out.
Have an emergency supply box - winter does come with some nasty weather and storms and you never know when a power outage can strike or a snowstorm prevents you from going outside. Make sure your home is prepared with flashlights, batteries, water, food that can be eaten without the use of electricity, extra blankets and so on. You know what works best for your family, just make sure to be prepared in case of an emergency at any moment's time!
Maintain your heating system - make sure your air filters are changed and your vent pipes are clear of snow and debris. If you hear any strange noises or notice that your house is suddenly cold, you should have a professional come and look at it right away. Heating is the only way to get through an Alaskan winter and so it is important to make sure your system is running efficiently.