By Meghan Belnap
This winter has been a tough one, with temperatures lower than expected in some regions and more precipitation than usual. But it's also been a learning experience, and homeowners can take some lessons from it as they prepare for next winter. Here are some of the things we've learned this winter.
Don't Take Your Home for Granted
Give it the TLC it needs to weather any storm
In a winter full of unexpected weather, it's easy to let your home needs go unnoticed. But lessons learned this season have taught us that now is the time to give your home some TLC to ensure your place of refuge is in peak condition--whether it be fixing that pesky draft or replacement of worn out windows and pipes. Don't take your home for granted; proper maintenance and care can help you weather any storm life throws at you.
Be Prepared for Anything
Have a plan and supplies on hand in case of an emergency
We all know that winter weather can be unpredictable, but this past season has been a special reminder of how ready we should always be. When the temperatures plummeted and snowfall exceeded expectations, it was hard to know what to expect. That's why it's important to plan ahead and have a strategy in place - with necessary items on hand, just in case of an emergency. It might take some extra effort and planning, but having peace of mind is invaluable. Being prepared for anything will help ensure that any inconveniences that come along with unexpected weather don't turn into disasters.
Stay Warm and Comfortable
Make sure your home is well-insulated
This winter brought a series of surprises with unpleasant weather and more snow than expected. To stay warm and comfortable it is essential to make sure your home is well-insulated. It's important to take the time to check for drafts, detect poor insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors, and seal any openings that let in cold air or moisture; all of these steps can help keep your living space at a pleasant temperature. As well, the exterior of your house might need some focus, whether it's your windows that are not up to the task of keeping the heat in or your roof that leaks in inconvenient places. Consulting a company like Liberty Exteriors LLC can give you an idea of whether or not your roof is properly doing its job. Investing a bit of effort into the upkeep of your home during this winter can ensure that you’ll be able to rest easier, even during unpredictable weather conditions.
Keep Things Clean and Tidy
Avoid slip-ups and accidents
Keeping things clean and tidy is an effective way of avoiding slip-ups, accidents, and other preventable issues. We have a responsibility to do whatever we can to prevent hazardous conditions. By taking the necessary time to focus on tidiness such as clearing away snow and ice or sweeping up wet leaves, we can guarantee that our yards and driveways remain safe. As well, making sure to keep our indoors organized can be beneficial. Instead of leaving blankets out to get worn and stepped on, make sure to keep things tidy to care for the things you own. A little bit of extra care goes a long way, especially during the wintertime!
Check In on Your Neighbors
…Especially if they're elderly or live alone
Although the unusually cold, wet winter weather might be wrapping up where you live, it's important to remember the lessons we learned. Especially when it comes to looking out for our neighbors. We should all do our part in checking in on those who are particularly vulnerable - especially the elderly and those that live alone. Even if you're not able to provide any resources, a little bit of kindness goes a long way and can help give people a little extra peace of mind during difficult times. So let's continue to keep our friends and neighbors safe by taking care of each other.
Winter may soon start winding down (hopefully), but that doesn't mean we should let our guard down. These past few months have been a great reminder of the importance of taking care of our homes and being prepared for anything. By following these simple tips, we can make sure that we're ready for whatever mother nature throws our way. So as you start to pack away your winter gear, keep these lessons in mind and you'll be all set for whatever comes next.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being outdoors and researching new topics that help to expand her horizons.
