Winter Home Safety Tips
Winter Home Safety Tips
Hi, it’s Rony Pannell with the Raegan Thorp Real Estate Group!
When winter rolls in, it brings more than chilly nights and cozy firesides. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can put your home—and your loved ones—to the test. The good news? With a few smart precautions, you can stay warm, protected, and worry-free all season long.
Today, I’m sharing essential winter home safety tips to help you avoid hidden dangers like carbon monoxide, frozen pipes, and storm damage. Let’s get your home winter-ready!
1. Never Use Gas or Charcoal Grills Indoors
It can be tempting to use what you have on hand to stay warm, but grills should never be used indoors or in garages. They produce carbon monoxide, an odorless and dangerous gas. Keep all grilling outdoors for everyone’s safety.
2. Use Space Heaters Wisely
Electric space heaters can be great for quick warmth, but they must be used with care.
Keep them away from curtains, blankets, furniture, and Christmas trees
Always place heaters on a solid, flat surface
Turn them off before leaving a room or going to bed
These simple habits can prevent fires and accidents.
3. Prevent Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can cause thousands of dollars in damage. To avoid this:
Let faucets drip slightly when temperatures are below freezing
Insulate exposed pipes in garages, basements, attics, and crawl spaces
Keep cabinet doors open so warm air can reach indoor plumbing
A little prevention goes a long way.
4. Know How to Shut Off Your Water
If a pipe bursts, every second counts. Make sure you—and anyone in your home—knows where the main water shutoff valve is located and how to turn it off quickly. This can significantly minimize damage.
5. Keep Emergency Heating Supplies
Emergencies happen, especially during winter storms. If your fuel supply gets cut off:
Keep dry, seasoned firewood on hand
Use a wood-burning stove or fireplace as backup heat
Store firewood in a dry, covered space to ensure it stays usable
Being prepared brings peace of mind.
6. Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms
Strong winds, heavy snow, and ice can cause major damage. Before storms arrive:
Trim large tree branches that could fall on your home
Clear gutters so melting ice and snow can drain properly
Repair roof leaks to avoid water damage inside your home
These small tasks can prevent big headaches later.
7. Schedule a Chimney Sweep & Inspection
If you plan to use your fireplace, an annual chimney inspection is essential.
Over time, soot and creosote build up, increasing the risk of chimney fires. Cracks or blockages can also allow dangerous smoke or carbon monoxide into your home. A certified professional will:
Clean the chimney
Check for structural damage
Ensure everything is safe and ready for winter use
Your fireplace should bring warmth—not risk.
The Bottom Line
Winter weather can be unpredictable, but your home doesn’t have to be. By taking these steps now, you can protect your property, prevent emergencies, and keep your family safe and comfortable all season long. Stay warm, stay safe, and if you ever need trusted guidance on caring for your home—or navigating the real estate market—we are here to help!
Rony Pannell & Raegan Thorp
Raegan Thorp Real Estate Group
📧 raegan@rtrg.homes
📧 info@rtrg.homes
🌐 www.RaeganThorp.com
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