Winter Home Safety Tips: Preventing Fires, CO Leaks, and Break-Ins
Winter in the Upper Valley is beautiful—snow-covered roofs, crisp mornings, families gathered around the fireplace. But beneath the charm, the season brings some of the most dangerous home safety risks of the entire year. From fires and carbon monoxide poisoning to increased burglary attempts, winter requires a little extra care to keep your home and family protected.
After serving New Hampshire and Vermont homeowners for over 50 years, Tasco Security has seen exactly how winter risks unfold—and more importantly, how to prevent them. Whether you’re a new homeowner or just looking to stay ahead of seasonal hazards, these winter safety tips offer a solid foundation for a secure home.
Fire Safety: Small Precautions Prevent Big Emergencies
Winter is peak fire season. Heating equipment, holiday decorations, dry indoor air, and increased electrical load all play a role. Most winter house fires start from just a few common causes—and nearly all of them are preventable.
Check your heating systems
Your furnace, fireplace, or wood stove should be inspected annually. Dirty vents and neglected chimneys are major fire hazards.
“A yearly inspection is significantly cheaper than a single fire emergency.”
Be smart with space heaters
Space heaters are convenient, but they’re also one of the top causes of winter fires. Keep them at least three feet away from anything flammable, and plug them directly into the wall—never a power strip.
Don’t overload outlets
Between holiday cooking, decorations, and indoor heating, electrical outlets get overworked fast. If cords are warm to the touch, unplug something immediately.
Helpful resource:
NFPA Winter Fire Safety Tips – https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education
(External reference)
Carbon Monoxide Safety: The Silent Winter Threat
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning increases sharply in winter due to fuel-burning appliances and tightly sealed homes.
Here’s what every homeowner should do:
Install CO detectors on each floor
Place one near bedrooms, one near the basement, and one near any fuel-burning appliances.
Test detectors once a month
Most people remember to test smoke detectors, but CO devices are just as important.
Never warm a vehicle inside the garage
Even with the door open, CO buildup can happen faster than many expect.
“CO is invisible and odorless—your best defense is a monitored detector, not your senses.”
Schedule a heating equipment check
Furnaces, boilers, and gas fireplaces should be inspected every winter. A small leak can escalate into a deadly situation without warning.
If your detectors are more than 7 years old, replace them immediately. Older units lose accuracy over time.
Break-Ins Increase in Winter—Here’s Why
It surprises many people, but burglaries often increase in colder months. Criminals know two things:
- People travel more during the holidays
- Early sunsets offer natural cover for break-ins
The good news? A few simple security upgrades can stop most attempts.
Secure doors and windows
Check for weak locks, cracked sills, and loose fittings. Cold temperatures can warp wood and make doors easier to force open.
Install exterior lighting
Motion-activated lights are inexpensive and highly effective. Criminals avoid well-lit homes.
Use smart timers for indoor lights
A dark house is an easy target. Smart plugs or light timers make your home look lived-in even when you’re gone.
Upgrade to monitored security
DIY cameras can record a break-in, but they can’t dispatch police or deter an intruder in real time. A professionally monitored system provides protection no camera alone can match.
Bonus Tip: Keep an Eye on Pipes
Frozen pipes aren’t just an inconvenience—they can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Insulate exposed pipes, and consider installing environmental sensors that alert you to freezing temperatures or leaks.
Want a safer home this winter? We’re here to help.
Tasco Security provides custom-designed home security and life-safety systems tailored to your home. From fire alarms and CO detectors to smart cameras and full 24/7 monitoring, we help families stay safe, warm, and protected all winter long.
Contact Tasco Security today to schedule your complimentary winter safety consultation.
Winter Home Safety FAQs: Prevent Fires, CO Leaks & Break-InsFAQ
Q: How often should I test my smoke and CO detectors in winter?
Once a month is recommended, and replace batteries every six months.
Q: Do criminals really target homes in winter?
Yes. Shorter days and holiday travel make winter an attractive season for break-ins.
Q: What’s the biggest winter safety mistake homeowners make?
Ignoring routine maintenance on heating equipment and relying only on DIY devices for emergencies.
