As the mercury dips and a freeze warning comes into effect, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to protect your home and ensure your comfort and safety. We have been monitoring the forecast and news coverage and it sounds like we have Freezing temps coming. We could wake up with an inch of snow, or perhaps a foot on the ground. Here’s a quick reminder of what you need to do to brace for the cold:
1. Protect Your Pipes
Insulate exposed pipes in areas like your attic, basement, and exterior walls with foam pipe insulation. Don’t forget about outdoor spigots and sprinkler systems.
Open cabinet doors below the sink. This will keep the pipes warmer than if the cabinet is closed.
Let faucets drip slightly during the coldest nights to prevent water from freezing inside pipes.
2. Seal Drafts
Check for drafts around doors and windows. Use weather stripping, draft stoppers, or even towels to block cold air.
3. Heating System Check
Make sure your heating system is in top working order. Replace filters, and if you haven’t had a recent inspection, schedule one.
Keep heat on at 60 degrees or higher.
If you have not changed your furnace filter recently, this is a good time to do it. Dirty filters only make your furnace work harder and with less efficiency.
Keep at least a 3-foot clear area around heaters to prevent fire hazards.
4. Emergency Kit
Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and warm clothing or blankets.
Stock up on food supplies that don’t require cooking in case of a power outage.
5. Protect Outdoor Plants
Cover sensitive plants with fabric covers to protect them from frost damage.
Bring potted plants indoors if possible.
Disconnect hoses
6. Pet Safety
Bring pets indoors or ensure they have a warm, insulated shelter outside.
Check their water frequently to ensure it’s not frozen.
7. Detectors Check
Make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly. This is crucial as the use of heaters increase.
8. Stay Informed
Keep an eye on local weather forecasts and heed any advice or instructions from local authorities.
9. Check on Neighbors
If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbors, check in on them to make sure they’re prepared for the cold.
Remember, it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. Taking these steps can help protect your home and family from the harsh conditions of a freeze. Stay warm and safe!