Winter Safety Starts from the Ground Up: Protecting Your Home and Family

Winter Safety Starts from the Ground Up: Protecting Your Home and Family

The arrival of the winter solstice means more than just shorter days—it marks the start of heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. While we often focus on winterizing our pipes and roofs, window well safety is a critical, yet often overlooked, part of home maintenance.

At Window Well Supply, safety isn't just a feature; it’s our priority. Here are three essential safety checks to perform today to ensure your family stays protected throughout the season.

1. Prevent Fall Hazards in the Snow

When snow starts to accumulate, open window wells become "hidden pits." A light dusting of snow can mask the opening, creating a significant fall risk for children playing in the yard, pets, or even emergency responders.

• The Safety Solution: Install a weight-bearing cover or a reinforced safety grate. Ensure your covers are rated to support the weight of an adult to prevent accidental falls into the well.

2. Ensure Emergency Egress (The Great Escape)

In the event of a fire or emergency, your basement window is a vital exit route. However, winter presents two major obstacles: heavy snow drifts blocking the exit and frozen or stuck covers.

• Clear the Path: After every snowstorm, clear the snow away from your window well covers.

• Check the Quick-Release: If you have an egress cover, ensure the locking or attachment mechanism isn't frozen shut. You should be able to easily push the cover open from the inside without needing tools or extreme strength.

• The Ladder Check: Ensure your egress ladder is securely bolted and free of ice buildup so it can be used at a moment’s notice.

3. Structural Integrity Under Snow Loads

Standard, thin plastic covers from big-box stores can often crack or collapse under the weight of a heavy "snow load" or ice falling from the roof. A collapsed cover is no longer a safety barrier—it's a hazard.

• The Safety Solution: Upgrade to polycarbonate covers. They are designed to withstand extreme pressure and impact, ensuring that even during a record-breaking blizzard, your window well remains a secure, empty space rather than a dangerous trap.

Your Winter Safety Checklist

• [ ] Clear all dead leaves and debris from the bottom of the well to prevent slipping.

• [ ] Inspect covers for cracks or brittle areas caused by UV exposure.

• [ ] Test your egress window and ladder from the inside.

• [ ] Ensure your covers are securely fastened so they don't blow away in winter gales.

Don’t leave your family’s safety to chance this winter. If your current window well setup feels flimsy or unsafe, now is the time to upgrade to a professional-grade solution.