COLD WEATHER TIPS FOR WINTERIZING YOUR HOME
Now is a good time to begin preparing your home for the Winter. As temperatures begin to drop, your home will require some low maintenance in order to keep it worry-free throughout the cold and freezing months.
Included are some easy tips on how to winterize your home.
1.) Water Lines – to prevent water lines from freezing and bursting during cold weather:
- Allow water to trickle, especially at night when the temperatures drop.
- Disconnect and drain all garden hoses from outside faucets and store, removing them from the harsh elements if possible.
- Always know where your water main is located in case you need to shut it off in emergencies.
- Shut off the water to the exterior hose bibs.
- Insulate hose bibs with Styrofoam insulators.
- Open all cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate and warm the pipes.
- If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.
- Sprinkler systems should be shut off and drained.
2.) Chimneys and Fireplaces:
- If using a wood burner fireplace or vented gas logs, inspect the fireplace damper for the proper opening and closing.
- When not in use, keep the damper closed to prevent a draft and heat loss.
3.) Prepare an Emergency Kit:
- Buy flashlights or battery operated lanterns for use during power shortages. Other suggestions include: battery powered radio, drinking water, pre-packaged non-perishable food, propane camp stove fuel (NOT to be used indoors), non-electric can opener, charged cell phone, tool set, first aid kit, prescription medication plan in effect and pet food if you have a pet.
- Have an evacuation plan in place. Know where your main water shut off is located. Review emergency procedures with everyone in your residence if you have not prepared emergency procedures for your household, do it now. It is important that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency or disaster. If you already have one, review it once again and make sure the procedures are still applicable.
FROM EVERYONE AT THE SEAY GROUP, STAY WARM!
