When the snow starts falling and temperatures dip low here in Sammamish, Washington, it’s time to get serious about winter safety tips every household should know. Our wet winters bring icy roads, freezing pipes, and chilly winds that can catch you off guard. But don’t worry. I’ll walk you through simple steps to keep you, your family, and your home safe. Think of this as your personal winter safety checklist for homeowners to stay #WinterReady.
Dress Right for Cold Weather Safety
You know how Sammamish winters can feel extra biting with that damp chill? If possible, stay inside during the coldest spells. But if you head out, protect yourself from frostbite by covering every part of your body, like your nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin, and fingers.
Layer up smartly: Start with an inner layer of wool, silk, or synthetics to wick away sweat. Add a middle layer for warmth, and top it with a windproof, waterproof outer shell. Grab gloves or mittens, a hat that covers your ears, and sturdy shoes with deep treads to grip icy sidewalks.
If work or chores keep you outside, take extra steps. Wear waterproof boots, insulated gloves, and a face mask. Stay dry by changing wet clothes fast, and keep spare dry ones nearby. Take frequent warm breaks, and pack extras like socks, hats, blankets, and hot drinks in a thermos. Skip touching cold metal with bare skin, as it can steal your heat quickly and cause frostbite. Watch for signs of cold-weather safety issues, such as shaking or confusion, and get help if needed. These habits make all the difference.
Get Your Vehicle Road-Ready
Slippery roads around Sammamish can turn a quick drive into trouble. Before you hit the road, check your car thoroughly. Keep your gas tank full to avoid frozen fuel lines, and swap in winter tires with good tread. Use chains if snow piles up.
Clear all snow and ice from your windows, lights, and roof first. Build an emergency kit with jumper cables, sand for traction, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, water, snacks, a phone charger, and a power bank. Check it every six months.
Tune in to weather alerts in Sammamish on local radio or apps for road updates. Share your route and expected arrival with someone. On ice, give more space, aiming for five to six seconds behind the car ahead. Have your auto insurance and local emergency services numbers handy.
If you get stuck, run the engine for 10 minutes every hour to keep warm, but crack a window and ensure the exhaust is clear to avoid carbon monoxide risks. Postpone trips if roads look bad. Following these winter safety tips keeps you moving safely.
Boost Your Winter Home Safety
Your Sammamish home needs prep, too, especially with our rainy, freezing spells. Start a winter safety checklist for homeowners by insulating pipes to prevent bursts and by learning where your main water shutoff is. Add leak sensors if you can.
Service your heating system: Swap filters, clean vents, and keep fuel tanks topped up. Outside, clear walkways, fix steps and rails, and spread salt or sand on ice. Trim branches near the house, and avoid piling snow by your foundation.
Check your roof and gutters for damage, and ventilate the attic to fight ice dams that cause leaks. Seal drafts around doors and windows with weather stripping, use insulating curtains, and cover AC units. Open blinds by day for free solar heat, close them at night, and block unused rooms to cut heating costs.
To prepare your home for winter, shut basement doors, roll towels under drafts, and caulk window gaps. If money’s tight, look into local aid for heating help. These steps protect your space and save energy.
Stay Ahead of Sammamish Winter Risks
Armed with these winter safety tips, you’re set to handle Sammamish’s cold snaps. Check weather alerts in Sammamish often, stay informed through local emergency services, and review your winter safety checklist for homeowners now. Planning keeps risks low, so you enjoy cozy nights in.
Share these ideas with neighbors to build a safer community. Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors today. Small actions now prevent big problems later. Considering a move? Ed Laine can help you find a home that fits your lifestyle.
Source: fema.gov
