Winterize Your Home – Safely!
This may seem like an unusual article from a chiropractor, but many of the injuries we treat are the result of activities that fall outside of the normal routine your body is familiar with. This includes rare or infrequent home maintenance tasks that you might only perform in the fall, to prepare for winter. Learn how to winterize your home safely with these tips:
Gutters:
Use proper ladder safety when cleaning out your gutters to prevent ice dams. Make sure your ladder is on a stable, level surface. Face the ladder when climbing up or down, and always maintain 3 points of contact (two feet and a hand, or one foot and both hands while climbing).
Pipes:
If you are insulating pipes in a crawlspace or attic, move slowly and avoid awkward angles, or straining your neck.
Sealing gaps, cracks:
Be aware of your surroundings when caulking and weatherstripping to eliminate drafts around windows and doors. When you are focused on details, it’s easy to bump your head or lean too far on a ladder.
Slips, trips, falls:
Be prepared for snow and ice by keeping deicing salt on hand. Repair any broken or uneven steps, sidewalks, etc., and make sure any handrails are solid and secure.
Tree branches:
Winter winds and heavy snows can cause tree branches to break and fall, potentially causing damage or injury. Make note of dead branches, and when trees become dormant, remove them. Be careful using limb saws, and follow the same ladder safety you would follow while cleaning gutters. If you are using a pole saw, beware of straining your neck while looking up, and do not stand directly beneath the branch you are cutting.
Garden hoses:
After you detach garden hoses, drain them, and put them away for the winter, you may have additional valves in your attic, basement, garage, or under a sink, to shut off water to outside spigots. Exercise caution when locating these, and don’t overreach or strain if there are other household items in the way. Better to move those items and then move them back, than to strain yourself.
Once your home is snug and ready, we hope you can relax and enjoy it. If you do find yourself in need of a chiropractic adjustment, we’re here for you. Give us a call!
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Dr. Mark Sell is a licensed, experienced chiropractor serving the Huntington, Indiana area since 1986. His practice continually strives to provide a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, offering affordable high-quality chiropractic care that includes treatment protocols tailored to meet your individual needs.