Last month, we talked about how to prepare your car for Minnesota’s snowy season—this month, we’re bringing that same level of preparedness into your home. Winter is beautiful, but it places extra demands on your house, and small oversights can turn into big problems quickly. A simple winter safety check can protect your family, prevent emergencies, and save you from costly repairs.
Here are the most commonly forgotten winter home safety tasks you’ll want to stay ahead of this season:
1. Check Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors
Your furnace works overtime in the winter, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide buildup. Most people forget to:
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Replace batteries
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Test alarms monthly
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Check detector expiration dates
A functioning CO detector is one of the most important safety items in your entire home.
2. Clear Exterior Vents
Snow and ice often block dryer vents, furnace exhaust pipes, and fireplace vents. A blocked vent can cause carbon monoxide to back up indoors or create a fire hazard.
After each snowfall, do a quick walk-around to make sure vents are clear.
3. Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the costliest winter home disasters. Prevent them by:
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Keeping utility room doors open
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Letting faucets drip during extreme cold
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Insulating pipes along exterior walls
A few minutes of prevention goes a long way.
4. Check Fire Extinguishers & Space Heaters
Winter coziness increases fire risk. Make sure to:
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Keep space heaters 3+ feet from anything flammable
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Inspect fire extinguishers
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Never leave candles or heaters unattended
These small steps prevent big emergencies.
5. Maintain Safe Walkways
Slips and falls are one of the most common winter injuries we see at Domier Chiropractic. Keep salt or ice melt stocked and treat walkways before the ice forms. Good traction protects everyone who visits your home.
6. Restock Your Winter Emergency Kit
Winter storms and power outages come with little warning. Your home emergency kit should include:
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Flashlights
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Batteries
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Warm blankets
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Bottled water
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Non-perishable snacks
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First-aid supplies
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Chargers
Preparedness = peace of mind.
Just like preparing your car, preparing your home helps keep your family safe and your winter stress-free. A few simple safety checks now can prevent major problems later.
And if winter chores or slips have left you feeling stiff or sore, Domier Chiropractic is here to help you stay aligned, mobile, and comfortable all season long.
Brittany Domier
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