Canadian winters can be cold, unpredictable, and dangerous. Pelting snow, freezing rain, hail, and ice increase the risk of slips, trips, falls, car crashes, and accidents around the home. Fortunately, the experts at Priority Plumbing can provide useful tips to ensure you and your family stay safe this winter. Here are a few ways you can avoid accident and injury during the cold months in Toronto:
Check the Weather Forecast Daily
Canadian winter weather is notorious for being indecisive. A balmy, bright, and sunny morning can change into the year’s worst snowstorm in an instant. To avoid getting caught in a nasty storm, or a brutal cold snap, ensure you check the forecast and dress accordingly. Keep your eye out for wind chill, snowfall, and rain warnings, and ensure you pack proper clothing, like gloves, a scarf, and hat, to protect your extremities.
Winterize Your Home
During cold snaps, it’s imperative you ensure your furnace is working properly, and your pipes are warm. Frozen pipes can expand, burst, and cause expensive and dangerous damage and flooding. Here are a few tips to keep your pipes from freezing:
•Insulate any pipes running along the outside of your home, or in areas with minimal insulation.
•Seal air leaks in your home and garage to prevent cold air from getting in.
•If you’re going away, ensure your home is heated to at least 10 degrees Celsius.
•In extremely cold temperature, allow water to drip out of high-risk pipes to avoid freezing.
•Have a local plumbing service on call in case of any emergencies.
Dress Accordingly
Even if you’re waiting at the bus stop for just a few minutes, your body should be completely covered. It doesn’t take long for cold weather to do its damage. Layers are the most important part of your attire during winter. You should wear a water and wind-proof outer layer, and ensure you have sturdy, insulated, grippy, and waterproof boots to keep your feet warm and safe.
Recognize the Signs of Frostbite and Hypothermia
Some people, like children and the elderly, are more susceptible to the cold. It’s important to be able to recognize signs of hypothermia and frostbite. If you experience loss of muscle control, excessive shivering, hallucinations, or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Severe frostbite can result in permanent nerve damage.
Canadian winters are beautiful, but they can also be dangerous and unpredictable. To ensure you and your family stay safe this season, follow these useful tips from Priority Plumbing. If you’re dealing with a plumbing issue or emergency, we offer same-day service, even on weekends, and provide a lifetime warranty on all our installations. To learn more about our services, get in touch today!