Hey there, Ahwatukee homeowner! Winter safety tips might not be the first thing on your mind in our sunny Arizona neighborhood, but when cold snaps hit, they can catch you off guard. With occasional dips into the 30s and frost on the ground, staying safe means preparing your home and family now. Let’s walk through what you need to know, step by step, so you can handle whatever chilly weather comes our way.
Prepare Your Home Before the Chill Hits
You know how to prepare your home for winter, which starts with a quick check. Grab a notebook and make your own winter safety checklist for homeowners. Start outside: Clear gutters of leaves and debris to prevent ice buildup during rare freezes. Inspect your roof for loose shingles, as wind gusts can make things worse. Inside, seal windows and doors with weatherstripping to keep the cold out and your heat bills down.
Test your heating system early. Change furnace filters and run it on a mild day to spot issues. If you use space heaters, place them on level surfaces away from rugs or curtains. Never leave them unattended, and plug them straight into the wall, not extension cords. These small steps boost your winter home safety and give you peace of mind.
Stay Safe Indoors During Cold Nights
Cold-weather safety indoors is all about preventing slips and fires. Lay down rugs with non-slip backing near entryways, especially if kids or pets track in moisture. Keep a close eye on candles during holiday gatherings; blow them out when you leave the room. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level, and test them monthly. A working detector can save lives if your heater acts up.
Bundle up smartly, too. Layer clothes with soft fabrics, and keep extra blankets handy for little ones. If power flickers during a storm, have flashlights and battery-powered radios ready. Teach your family to stay in one room to keep warm together. Simple habits like these make winter safety tips part of your daily routine.
Handle the Outdoors With Care
Stepping outside in Ahwatukee’s winter requires caution. Frost can form overnight, making driveways slick by morning. Sprinkle salt or sand on walkways before dawn to melt ice fast. Wear shoes with a good grip, and move slowly to avoid falls. If you’re shoveling light snow, take breaks every 15 minutes to prevent strain.
Driving? Check tire pressure, as it drops in the cold, and keep your wipers and fluids topped off. Slow down on bridges, which freeze first. Always monitor weather alerts in Ahwatukee through local apps or TV. When a freeze warning pops up, stay indoors if possible, and let pros handle icy power lines.
Know Who to Call for Help
Emergencies don’t wait, so keep local emergency services numbers posted: Dial 911 for fires, medical issues, or crashes. For non-urgent help, like a burst pipe, call Ahwatukee’s fire department at 602-262-6363 or the police non-emergency line at 602-495-5000. Have a family plan: Pick a meeting spot outside and practice it.
Stock an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, medications, and a first-aid kit for 3 days. This covers power outages from winter storms. Review it yearly to keep supplies fresh.
Your Winter Safety Starts Today
Ready to make Ahwatukee winters worry-free? Follow these winter safety tips, print your winter safety checklist for homeowners, and share it with neighbors. A safe home means more time enjoying our community sunsets, even on cooler days. Considering a move? Erik Kelly can help you find a home that fits your lifestyle.
Source: uwmedicine.org
Header Image Source: Hayden Scott on Unsplash
