Winter is Coming! 9 Winter Safety Tips to Stay Warm and Safe in you Des Moines Home

Winter has finally arrived and it is time to prepare for the long season of snow and cold. With the chill in the air, winter weather can cause some problems that affect more than just your winter coat. It can be cold and miserable and make you want to hide from the world. 

Whether you’re the type of person who has been ready for winter since the first week of September or are the type that is sneaking cough drops into your purse in order to get through a simple phone call with special someone, winter can definitely bring some challenges. 

But no matter what winter weather is like for you this year, there are some precautions that you can take to make sure that your winter is as safe and happy as possible. It is important to remember some simple safety guidelines to help keep your home safe, efficient, and weatherproof against the cold.

The nights have already started getting long and dark. Snow in Iowa is inevitable and proper preparation will help you stay warm and safe in your Des Moines home!

Here are the 9 Winter Safety Tips 

1. Avoid walking around in the dark or in wet and icy areas. Always look where you’re going.

When walking in the winter, take it slowly and carefully, observe where you're going, and make sure the area you're stepping on is safe. Always keep an eye out for slick areas and test them before stepping on them. Remember that ice can be covered beneath a thin layer of light snow, giving the impression that the area is dry. If at all possible, avoid walking up or down a hill and always search for something to grip onto if you start to lose your balance. If the weather is slick, wear non-slip shoes. If the weather is poor, it might be best to avoid going outside at all.

2.  Choose the right shoes when walking outside.

When it comes to slippery winter conditions, our shoes and boots can make a big difference. The right footwear is crucial to helping us stay upright in slick conditions which can reduce our risk of falling. Good traction and non-skid soles, as well as walking on cleared pathways, are all important factors when going for a walk or running errands outside in the winter. Trust us on this one. We can tell you how handy good shoes with traction are when showing Des Moines area homes before or after a snowstorm, or even on a blustery winter day.

3.  Dress for Warmth

Keep the house warm in cold temperatures, and wear several layers of clothing to stay warm and to prevent frostbite or hypothermia. Do not go outside if the temperature drops below freezing without wearing gloves, socks, a scarf, and other heavy clothing. 

4. Be Prepared for Power Outages

In the case of a power outage, have a backup generator for heat and blankets, sleeping bags, and stored water and nonperishable food. You may need to keep warm during a power outage. Generators provide an alternative source of heat but make sure to stock up on blankets and sleeping bags, too. Water and nonperishable food are also important supplies for dealing with an extended outage. 

5.  Check your Medication Supply 

In the event of severe weather, make sure you have a sufficient supply of prescription medication on hand. Even if you have an auto-prescription setup, inclement weather may prevent you from picking up your medication. If you are nearing the end of your supply of critical medications, you can request that your doctor call your prescription to a nearby pharmacy.

6.  Power up for the Storm

Make sure you have plenty of fresh batteries in your flashlights, lanterns and radios, and keep extras on hand for other electronic devices that could run low on power in the event of a storm.

7. Have your Emergency Contact Plan

Prepare a plan to contact loved ones in case of an emergency. Keep phone numbers tucked away so you can call them during a storm, even if you lose cell phone service or internet access. Plan how you and your family members will communicate during emergencies. Keep important phone numbers written down, and consider staying with a family member or neighbor if an incoming storm is expected to be severe.

8. Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The use of a fireplace, gas heater, or gas lanterns can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure to check your carbon monoxide detector periodically and replace it immediately if there is even the slightest doubt. Checking the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector will ensure that you sleep safely.

9.   Ask for Help!

The most important tip for staying safe during the colder months is to ask for help. There are several services that can assist you with snow removal, grocery shopping, and even medical appointments. Do not hesitate to contact a family member or neighbor if you need assistance. If you do ask for help, accept it graciously and be sure to thank people for their efforts on your behalf. Don't be afraid to reach out for help! We are always here to offer support and help as well, so feel free to reach out.

Be sure that you take these precautions when planning to stay outside for long periods of time, especially if in a winter weather area. These will help keep your winter as safe as possible.

Winter comes every year, and we have to make sure that our Des Moines area homes are ready for the cold months ahead. With these ideas in mind, you can customize your preparations based on what winter weather is like where you live. This may not prevent everything, but it could help you stay safe throughout the season.