Simple steps to winter-proof your home

There are a few surefire ways to know if it’s winter in Australia; ugg boots replace thongs, blanket fortresses emerge, and Saturday barbecues become Sunday roasts. Not to mention the annual breaking out of the puffer jacket when the temperature dips below 19 degrees. So, as we hunker down and prepare for the chilly nights and darker mornings, it’s time to prepare your home as well.  

Fire Safety

Just because the Aussie summer has backed off, doesn’t mean the risk of fire has. Winter weather can bring a host of hazards, but one of the biggest threats to your safety is the risk of fire. If you’re someone who likes to crank a heater, electric blanket, or other sources of warmth, the risk of a fire breaking out in your home increases. According to NSW Fire & Rescue, the cooler months see a 10% increase in the number of home fires, with more fires in bedrooms and living rooms due to heaters and electric blankets.

Preventing Fires from Electric Blankets

An electric blanket might be your favourite winter accessory, but it can also be a serious fire hazard if not used properly. To prevent accidents, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and inspect your blanket for any signs of damage before use. Never fold or bunch up the blanket, roll it up carefully to avoid kinking any elements and store safely where nothing will be placed on top - or simply leave it on the bed switched off and unplugged. Avoid using your electric blanket altogether if it appears worn or frayed and never leave it on whilst you are out of the house or when you go to sleep.

Checking Heaters Before Use

With another summer gone, it’s likely your heater has been stowed away for a few months now. So before your next couch sesh, remember to check for any faults when you go to plug your heater in. Whether you're using a space heater, a wood stove, or an electric, fan or gas heater, be sure to keep anything flammable at least a metre (three feet) away from the heater, and never leave it unattended while in use. And, if you’re guilty of using the heater as a clothes drying rack, let’s not go testing your luck again. You could even go the extra proactive step and have it checked by a qualified professional before the start of the season. This will ensure that it's in good working order and free of any potential hazards.

Winter fire safety tips

There are a few things you can do to stay safe inside your home when it comes to fire hazards.

• Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries as needed
• Don't use extension cords or power strips with heating devices, and never leave them unattended.
• Be careful with candles and never leave them burning when you leave a room.
• Have a plan in case of a power outage, including having an emergency kit with flashlights, blankets, and non-perishable food.

Preparing Your Home

In addition to fire safety, it's important to prepare your home for the winter weather to help prevent insurance claims. The first step you can take is to insulate your home to not only keep the heat in and the cold out, but to help prevent condensation, the rotting of building materials and the formation of mould. You could start by checking your windows and doors for any drafts and sealing them up as needed, or adding an extra layer to your windows, like curtains or blinds.

Another key area to focus on is your plumbing. Frozen pipes can burst and cause serious damage to your home, so it's important to take steps to prevent them from freezing. This includes insulating pipes, sealing any cracks or holes where cold air can enter, and keeping your home at a consistent temperature.

Finally, if your home happens to be in an area where it’s likely to snow, make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to prevent ice dams from forming. Ice dams can cause water to back up and leak into your home, causing damage to your walls, ceilings, and floors.

Protect your home from the elements

The colder temperatures, rain, and (possibly) snow during the winter months can be hard on your home's exterior. It's important to take steps to protect your home from the elements to prevent damage and avoid claims on your insurance policy. Some things you can do include:

• Clear your gutters to prevent water dams from forming and causing water damage to your roof and walls.
• Check your roof for any loose or missing shingles that can lead to leaks.
• Remove any trees or branches that are close to your home that could fall and cause damage during a storm.

At Honey, we take your home’s safety in the winter seriously, which is why with eligible home and contents policies, our customers are offered Notion sensors. The sensors can monitor and alert you to certain hazards that could arise this winter, such as the change of temperature thresholds— e.g. if a room temperature rises above or drops below the assigned degree — and sounding alarms, such as your heater or electric blanket causing the fire alarm to go off, or if your carbon monoxide detector sounds and you’re not around to hear it.

By taking steps to protect your home and the things you use in it during the winter months, you can avoid costly insurance claims and enjoy the season with peace of mind. Stay safe and warm this winter!

The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice and does not take into account any person’s particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives, financial situations, and needs. You should obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement or terms and conditions relating to the products mentioned, before deciding whether to acquire any products.