Keeping Safe and Warm in Winter
Keeping you safe and warm in your home takes a little preparation. The tips below will help you and your family stay safe and warm and toasty!
• PROTECT YOUR PIPES:
• Drain water from outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems to keep those pipes from freezing.
• Disconnect and store outdoor hoses; cover outdoor faucets with foam insulators.
• Protect water pipes that run through unheated areas of your home with insulation, such as the attic, basement, or garage.
• Know where your water shutoff valve is in case of an emergency.
• CHECK THE HEAT:
• Change your furnace filter at the beginning of the season – or now if you haven’t already done it!
• Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan – set the blades to turn clockwise to circulate warm air from the ceiling down into the room
• PREVENT ICE DAMS:
• Clogged gutters and downspouts are the main cause of ice dams. Clean them out to keep water flowing during the winter.
• Seal paces that may allow warm air leakage from your home, such as vent pipes, exhaust fans, light fixtures.
• SEAL WINDOW AND DOORS
• Caulk around windows and install weather stripping around doors as needed.
• Remove, wash and store screens from the spring.
• STOCK UP ON COLD-WEATHER ESSENTIALS
• Have a fully charged fire extinguisher
• Consider an alternative heat source such as a generator or fireplace in case of power outages.
• Have ice melt on hand
• Keep a roadside survival kit in your car; first aid kit, tissues, travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste, contact lens solution, hand sanitizer, crackers, nuts or other snacks, flashlight. Blanket, water, extra pair of gloves, batteries and chargers, a shovel, brush and scraper.