Home Heating Safety Tips for Seniors This Winter

Elderly Care in New Brunswick Township NJ

Keeping a home warm during the winter may seem quite easy. All you have to do is set the thermostat and forget it. However, that may not be all that it requires. For some seniors, especially those who may not have the best memory or physical capabilities, keeping their home warm and safe throughout the winter requires some extra steps, strategies, plan.

Below are several home heating safety tips that can not only help seniors stay warm throughout the winter, but also safe.

Home Heating Safety Tip #1: Inspect the system.

Every heating system should be inspected every year. It’s ideal to have it inspected by a licensed HVAC technician in the spring and in the fall. However, now that we are into winter, if the home heating system has not been inspected yet, it’s time to call an HVAC company immediately.

An inspection may not find any issues, but it can certainly clean the system and make sure it runs at peak levels. If a home heating system is not inspected, there is an increased risk that can fail, especially during the coldest time of the year. If that happens, it could be days or even weeks before an HVAC technician can get out there to repair it.

Home Heating Safety Tip #2: Never use the stove to heat the house.

We hear about this in the news all the time. People turn on the stove, usually a gas stove when the power goes out, to heat their house. That should never be done.

There’s a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as well as fire when you try to do this. The senior should be advised to avoid this at all cost.

Home Heating Safety Tip #3: Electric blankets have risks.

Relying on an electric blanket can seem convenient as a way to stay warm in bed, but they can catch fire and cause burns, especially to somebody who may not feel it because of their age and certain health issues.

Home Heating Safety Tip #4: Check wiring.

For an electric heating system, make sure you have the wiring inspected, especially if it is older wiring. Old, frayed wiring or wiring that may have been chewed by mice can potentially lead to a fire risk.

Home Heating Safety Tip #5: Pay the bill.

Make sure the utility bills are paid. If the senior has difficulty keeping track of things, they may overlook their electric bill. That could be detrimental during the winter months.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in New Brunswick Township, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care of New Brunswick today. Call (732) 607-8870.