Winter Home Safety: Staying Warm, Well and Connected
As the cooler months settle in, it is a good time to take a few simple steps to keep your home safe, warm and comfortable. Winter can bring extra risks around heating, slippery surfaces, reduced daylight and social isolation, but a little preparation can make a big difference.
Inside the Home
Check heaters before regular use
Before relying on your gas heater, reverse-cycle air conditioner or portable heater, check that it is working properly. Gas heaters should be serviced every two years by a qualified professional, and any heater with damage, unusual smells, yellow flames, noisy fans or inconsistent performance should be checked before use. Never use an oven or stovetop to heat your home.
Keep air flowing safely
It may be tempting to close the house up tightly, but ventilation is important, especially when using gas heating. Carbon monoxide from faulty gas appliances cannot be seen or smelt, so make sure rooms are well ventilated and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
Use electric blankets with care
Check electric blankets for fraying, scorch marks, exposed wires or damaged cords. Warm the bed before getting in, then turn the blanket off before going to sleep. Store electric blankets rolled rather than folded, and replace any blanket that looks worn or unsafe.
Reduce slips, trips and falls
Winter can make falls more likely. Look for rugs that curl at the edges, loose cords across walkways, slippery floor areas, loose tiles and poor lighting. Check hallways, bathrooms and steps, and consider non-slip mats or extra lighting where needed.
Make the bathroom safer
Bathrooms are one of the highest-risk areas for slips and scalds. Check that non-slip bathmats are in place, grab rails are secure and hot water is set to a safe temperature.
Outside the Home
Clear paths and steps
Wet leaves, moss and early morning dew can make outdoor areas slippery. Clear leaf build-up, check for uneven paving and consider non-slip strips or improved drainage in problem areas.
Tidy the garden and yard
Winter storms can bring down weakened or overhanging branches. If trees are close to your home, driveway or pathways, arrange for them to be checked. Trim back overgrown garden beds that reduce visibility or narrow walking areas.
Check outdoor lighting
Shorter days can mean moving around outside in lower light. Check that outdoor lights are working and consider motion-activated lighting near steps, entrances and pathways.
Health and Wellbeing
Winter safety is not only about the home environment. It is also about making sure you have what you need to stay healthy, prepared and connected.
Plan ahead for medications and essentials
Try to keep regular medications, basic groceries and important supplies topped up before you run low. A cold or rainy week can make it harder to get out. Keep a simple emergency kit at home with a torch, spare batteries, basic first aid supplies and a list of important phone numbers.
Stay connected
Cooler weather can make it easier to stay indoors, but regular contact with family, friends, neighbours or support workers is an important part of staying well. A quick phone call, visit or planned check-in can help people feel safer and more supported through winter.
This month’s quick winter check:
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check heaters and electric blankets, clear walkways, top up medications, and organise a regular check-in with someone you trust.
If this has raised any areas of concern, please contact the team at FRC and we can provide you further information.
