Even in Florida, it’s important to take certain seasonal safety precautions for winter. While a Florida winter does not often include snow, ice, or sleet, the weather often cools and includes more rain and tourists. It never hurts to be prepared.

Florida, a well-known vacation spot and retirement state, may not experience freezing temperatures or snow, but residents should practice certain seasonal safety tips. As tourists travel through the state and snowbirds flock to their retirement homes, this means more traffic on the roads. Be sure to drive safely.

There are a number of ways to winterize your home and prepare for the unique challenges of a Florida winter. 

Reprogram Your Thermostat

If you don’t have a smart thermostat, check in on what your house thermostat is set at. Both a money and energy saver, your thermostat can be programmed for energy-saving temperatures while you’re away or sleeping. 

Replace or Clean Your Air Filters

Your HVAC system is working constantly to keep your home at your ideal temperature. Help it work more efficiently by cleaning the dust and dirt from your air filters. This helps your air stay cleaner while allowing for your system to work better.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are a necessity for outdoor patio spaces and some homes. Counterclockwise rotations push cool air down to the floor while clockwise rotation at a low speed pulls cool air up. The best way to check the direction of your fan is to stand directly under the fan and watch the direction of the rotation. For winter, switch your ceiling fan to clockwise rotation.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

Keeping on top of roof repairs is important. As the cooler months approach, check your gutters and downspouts for debris. Repair any leaks. The sunshine, rain, and tropical storms can be rough on your home roof so be sure to inspect it regularly.

Prepare for Emergencies

Whether it’s a weather-related emergency or a power outage, you can be prepared. Keep food on hand that does not need refrigeration and put together an emergency kit. Your kit should include battery-operated devices, extra batteries, first-aid kit, and maybe a few granola bars.

Drive Carefully

Florida has a unique population with a mix of residents, tourists, university students, and snowbirds. The constant influx of people means that there are many vehicles on the roads. It’s not unlikely to experience someone speeding way over the speed limit while someone else drives far below that same limit. Frequent rain can also make the road slick and can lead to hydroplaning — putting you and surrounding drivers at risk of collisions. Be courteous and careful when driving.

Keep these seasonal safety tips close by because it won’t be long until the seasons change again, and it’s especially important to have an updated emergency kit available, replace air filters, and do regular home maintenance. These seasonal safety tips can help protect you from injuries.

At Carrillo Injury Law firm, we do everything we can to help with work compensation and personal injury claims. If you’re injured on the job, we want to help. Contact our office today by emailing office@carrilloinjurylaw.com.