Winter in the Prairies is no joke. The combination of deep cold, blinding snow, and unpredictable storms can challenge even the most prepared households. But with the right mix of smart technology and practical preparation, you can keep your family, pets, and home safe, comfortable, and protected all season long.
At AlarmTek Smart Security, we understand the demands of a Prairie winter. That’s why our smart home solutions — from temperature and flood sensors to CO detectors and mobile monitoring — are designed to help you stay one step ahead of the cold.
Start with Your Home: Protect What Keeps You Warm
Inspect and maintain your furnace or heating system
Before the first frost, book a professional furnace inspection. Clean filters, ensure vents are clear, and test your thermostat. A furnace failure during a −30 °C night can be dangerous — but it’s also preventable.
Pair your system with AlarmTek’s smart thermostat and temperature sensors, which can alert you instantly if indoor temperatures drop below a safe range. Early warnings mean you can take action before pipes freeze, or your home cools dangerously.
Monitor for freezing risks
The EnviroTek Low Temperature and Flood Sensor is one of the most effective tools for Prairie homes. It detects low temps and leaks, sending alerts straight to your phone through the AlarmTek app.
Place these sensors:
- Near water lines and the water heater
- In the basement and laundry room
- Behind toilets and under sinks
- In your furnace room or near the garage entry
A single frozen pipe can cost thousands of repairs — but a timely sensor alert can prevent it altogether.
Guard Against Fire and Carbon Monoxide
Test and upgrade your alarms
With homes sealed tightly in winter, the risk of carbon monoxide buildup rises. Fuel-burning appliances like furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters produce CO — and without proper ventilation, this silent gas can be deadly.
Ensure you have working CO and smoke detectors on every floor and outside each sleeping area. AlarmTek’s Fire and CO detectors are monitored 24/7, so even if you’re away, emergency responders can be dispatched automatically.
Keep vents clear
After every snowfall, check that your exterior furnace, dryer, and fireplace vents are free of snow and ice. Blocked vents can trap dangerous gases inside your home.
Secure Your Entry Points: Doors, Windows, and Garage
Cold weather can warp doors and crack seals, letting in drafts — and potential intruders.
- Inspect weatherstripping around windows and doors. Replace worn seals.
- Use smart door locks and door/window sensors from AlarmTek to monitor entry points remotely.
Your AlarmTek security system can integrate all these devices, providing real-time updates through your smartphone — perfect for snowbirds or families traveling over Christmas.
Stay Connected with Smart Monitoring
One of the biggest challenges in Prairie winters is being cut off — whether by weather or power outages. With AlarmTek’s 24/7 monitoring and smart app control, you can stay connected even in extreme conditions.
- Receive alerts if there’s a drop in temperature, water leak, fire, or intrusion.
- Check live camera feeds to see if deliveries have arrived or if snowdrifts are blocking doors.
- Control thermostat and security settings remotely.
Even when you’re at work, out of town, or cozy under a blanket, your home stays under a watch.
Prepare for Power Outages
Winter storms often bring power interruptions. A few minutes without power is an inconvenience — but several hours can cause serious problems.
- Install backup batteries in your security panel, CO detectors, and essential devices.
- Consider a small generator or backup power source for your furnace blower or sump pump.
- Use AlarmTek’s mobile monitoring to receive outage alerts, so you know immediately when power is lost and restored.
If you’re away, ask a neighbour or family member to check in after major storms, especially if your system notifies you of low temperature or connectivity issues.
Winter Safety for Your Family
Create an emergency kit
Every Prairie household should have a winter emergency kit with:
- Flashlights and batteries
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Non-perishable food and bottled water
- A first-aid kit
- Backup phone chargers and candles
- A battery-powered radio
Store it in a central, easy-to-access location. If you’re snowed in or without power, this kit could be your lifeline.
Plan for severe weather
Talk with your family about emergency procedures:
- Where to meet if you’re separated
- How to shut off the main water valve if a pipe burst
- Who to call in an emergency
Don’t Forget Your Pets
Prairie winters can be especially tough for furry family members.
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
- Ensure outdoor shelters are insulated, off the ground, and windproof.
- Never leave animals in a vehicle — even for a few minutes.
If you use smart cameras indoors, you can check on pets while you’re at work or away. Some AlarmTek systems even allow two-way audio, letting you speak to your pet and monitor their wellbeing in real time.
Also, place a temperature sensor in rooms where pets spend time — especially basements or sunrooms that may cool down faster than the rest of the house.
Inspect the Outside of Your Home
Before temperatures plummet:
- Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams.
- Check your roof for missing shingles or cracks.
- Trim tree branches that could break under heavy snow.
- Seal gaps around pipes and vents.
You can even use outdoor cameras to keep an eye on your driveway, roofline, and property perimeter. In the event of ice buildup or suspicious movement, you’ll receive instant alerts.
Winterize for Peace of Mind
A winter-ready home isn’t just about comfort — it’s about protection, prevention, and peace of mind. With AlarmTek’s integrated smart sensors and monitoring, you can safeguard your home from the unique challenges of the Prairie climate.
Whether it’s avoiding frozen pipes, preventing CO exposure, or ensuring your pets stay warm and safe, the right technology can make all the difference.
Quick Winter Readiness Checklist
- Test smoke and CO detectors
- Install low-temp and flood sensors
- Inspect furnace, vents, and filters
- Check insulation and weatherstripping
- Set smart thermostat schedules
- Update emergency contacts in your AlarmTek app
- Prepare your family and pet emergency plans
- Verify backup batteries in your security system
- Review insurance and AlarmTek monitoring plans
Stay Warm, Stay Safe, Stay Smart
Winter in the Prairies is serious — but you don’t have to face it unprepared. With AlarmTek Smart Security, your home becomes a fortress against the cold.
From smart sensors that catch early warning signs to professional monitoring that’s always on duty, we help you protect what matters most: your family, your pets, and your peace of mind.
