subject: Winter Safety: Michigan And Iowa Home Security Tips For Chillier Months [print this page] While romping through the snow and having a weekend to go sledding or skiing with the whole family is one reason that residents of Michigan and Iowa look forward to winter, there are plenty other less exciting aspects of the season to keep in mind. For homeowners who are serious about protecting family members and property alike, there are often more problems in winter than in any other month. After all, with big snowstorms, tough winds, and the need to stay indoors, a lot of factors are lined up to potentially go wrong. But with a few simple steps, any homeowner can ensure that a household stays cozy and secure through even the heaviest winter weather.
Of course, better home security during the winter months doesn't simply start out when the snow starts falling. Responsible people will be sure to get their ducks in a row long before the weather actually turns. Taking the time to trim tree branches and clear out dead foliage is one great way to make sure that there are less objects to be flying through the air in high winds. Likewise, anyone who has spent summer lounging on outdoor furniture and grilling will notice quickly that it makes sense, if those items are going to last, to drag them somewhere dry and warm. Be sure to move all furniture that a household wants to use next summer indoors, often to the garage.
As far as home security goes indoors, there are a few different crucial steps for homeowners in Michigan and Iowa to take before it gets really chilly. Those homes with fireplaces should invest in a chimney sweep to come out and clear the chimney out, if there are plans to use the fireplace during the winter. It's also a wise idea to have someone check out the heaters in the house, as sometimes they tend to break during the worst possible evenings of winter. Making sure that there are a couple of space heaters for the house is also important, but don't use space heaters while everyone is asleep. A bit part of winter home security is keeping flammable objects away from fireplaces and space heaters, and it's a lot tougher to do that when members of the household are asleep.
Winter is also a hugely popular time to go on vacation, and sometimes in the rush to escape the snow and sleet of chilly weather, homeowners make mistakes about the protection they should have in place. For anyone who plans on going out of town to a warmer climate, remembering to set the home alarm system before departing is absolutely essential. Otherwise, it's entirely possible that a home will be one of many targets for burglars during the holiday season. Leaving lights on and remembering to put mail and newspaper delivery services on hold is also an effective way to avoid returning home to snowdrifts and a broken-into house. And coming home to a comfortable, warm residence is definitely something that weary travelers will appreciate during the chilly holiday season.
