ADVERTISING FEATURE
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Winter in Australia often means heavy rainfalls, sudden storms, and cold and damp indoors.
As the temperatures begin to fall, homes can benefit from some simple preparation to ensure they are comfortable, cosy, and warm throughout winter.
Make sure you keep your home and sanity intact by taking the following measures.
- Reach for blankets not the heater
As soon as the weather gets colder, the knee-jerk reaction is to turn up the heat.
While our bodies are instantly grateful, our power bill will start to rise.
Stay warm with blankets instead or make sure to close of unused rooms when using the heating.
- Clear chimneys to avoid carbon monoxide mishaps
Obstructed chimneys and vents can be a hazard, due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Inspect vents and chimneys to make sure they are unobstructed.
Install, check and/or replace smoke alarms. Both fire and carbon monoxide can be deadly and silent.
You can now buy hardwired smoke alarms which are not reliant on batteries but connect to your electrical circuit with a battery back-up in case of blackout.
This advertising feature is sponsored by the following businesses:
- Lithgow plumbing and heating
- Central West Aircon
- Intimate Dreams
- Clean out the gutters
Fallen leaves from autumn can clog up drains, pipes and gutters, blocking rainwater from flowing out properly.
Hop up onto your roof to clean out your gutters to remove leaves, sticks and other debris that can block drain pipes.
At the same time inspect and replace any loose or broken tiles and consider pruning trees that are too close to the home.
Hire someone to do these jobs if you aren't comfortable going onto the roof.
- Prepare for emergencies
In winter you need to ensure you are adequately prepared to respond to an emergency situation at home. Storms, floods and blackouts are more common during the unpredictable weather winter brings.
Experience shows that homeowners who plan and prepare for emergencies are more likely to minimise potential damage and recover faster.
Some of the most important things you will need to have access to during a blackout are a charged mobile phone and an alternate source of lighting. Portable phone chargers that can be pre-charged and left in a drawer in case of emergency, while candles and torches with spare batteries are vital for every household.