Great Care recognizes that with the coming of the holidays means winter, and winter means colder months ahead.

That equates to maintenance in keeping homes and property in top shape going into winter. Many seniors may need assistance from caregivers and loved ones to make it happen.

“Home winterization is a collection of preventative measures designed to protect homes against damage caused by cold temperatures. These measures should be performed in the fall, before it gets cold enough for damage to occur,” says the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, Inc.

“Winterization protects against damage due to bursting water pipes, and from heat loss due to openings in the building envelope. Indoor plumbing is probably the most critical area to consider when preparing a home for winter, although other systems should not be ignored.”

The Association warns that water damage caused by bursting pipes during cold weather can be devastating.

“A ruptured pipe will release water and not stop until someone shuts off the water. If no one is home to do this, an enormous quantity of water can flood a house and cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. Even during very small ruptures or ruptures that are stopped quickly, water leakage can result in mold and property damage. Broken water pipes can be costly to repair.”

The National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) offers these tips on winterizing the home to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months:

• Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
• Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
• Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
• Check your heating systems.
• Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.
• Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
• Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly.
• Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
• Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies.
• Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check batteries when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.
• Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

The NCEH also suggests people (especially seniors) equip in advance for emergencies in the home and car with these steps for winter:

• Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages.
• Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.
• Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged.
• Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including: Battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps; extra batteries; first-aid kit and extra medicine; baby items; and cat litter or sand for icy walkways.
• Protect your family from carbon monoxide.
• Keep grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement and garage.
• Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house.
• Leave your home immediately if the CO detector sounds, and call 911.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.