As days get shorter and nights get longer, our habits begin to change. Most of us typically spend more time hunkering down at home and less time frolicking at the beach. That usually means resuming favorite fall pastimes like huddling through college football games on Saturday. Arriving along with the Fall season is a host of home safety tips we didn’t have to think about over the summer, creating the need for a little extra vigilance.
As the temperatures drop and you settle in for the approaching cold spell, consider the following home safety tips for ensuring you and your family stay not just warm, but also safe!
Warm up carefully
All types of heating units can be dangerous. If you use a wood-burning fireplace, secure it with a screen to prevent sparks. Additionally, make sure the fire is completely out before you retire for the night. If you depend on your home’s furnace, make sure it has been inspected before you start to use it again. If you use space heaters, make sure there are no frayed cords and are out of the reach of children.
Enjoy ambiance safely
If you use candles to add a warm glow to a cold night, make sure they are safely out of reach of children, can’t be overturned by pets. Also, make sure they are not close to flammable items such as blankets, paper or other furniture. If you’re known for falling asleep before heading to bed, extinguish all candles early in the night to avoid an unsafe, all-night burning situation.
Exercise yard safety
If you’re going to be pruning trees and shrubs, hanging Halloween decorations, raking leaves, or engaging in other yard activities, use caution: be careful on ladders, avoid power lines, and put away yard tools when you’re finished.
Be grounded
Make sure you make weather-friendly shoes and boots handy for the whole family. As you know, this is the season for slippery driveways and walkways. Without proper footwear, you can find yourself on your back or in the hospital.
As we have seen in the past, the Fall season can also bring storm damage from hurricanes. Do you have enough coverage to rebuild your home in the event of a loss? Read our article to make sure you have everything covered. Finally, at HFC Insurance, we hope these home safety tips allow you to have a fabulous and foible-free fall season!
