Even though it is fall... someone hasn't given that message to Mother Nature, because we're expecting SNOW tonight. In order to keep your home warm and dry, you may need to check the following tips below:
PIPES--PREVENT FROZEN PIPES
- Make sure your entire family knows where the MAIN SHUT OFF valve is in case of an emergency.
- Buy, and install, insulation for ANY exposed pipes.
- Prepare your A/C (Some need draining) and cover/wrap it.
- When you're going to be away from home for several days or longer, set your heater at 55 degrees.
- IF you're leaving for several days, drain your hoses, pipes and shut off the water.
- Tips from : LAKE ARROWHEAD COMMUNITY SERVICE DISTRICT (WATER CO)
FIREPLACE:
- Have a professional chimney sweep clean and inspect your fireplace. Make repairs as suggested by the professional chimney sweep.
- If you have firewood outdoors, store it in a dry place and make sure it ISN'T touching the exterior of your house.
FURNACE/HEATER:
- Have a professional inspect your heater and, if necessary, clean your ducts.
- Change your heater's filter often, usually monthly in heavily used months.
- Think about buying an updated thermostat.
- Make sure household products or anything else that may be combustible, is away from your furnace/heater.
- Many Gas companys will come out and check your pilots on appliances, heater and water heaters for free.
CHECK SMOKE ALARMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
- Check your local county requirements on smoke detectors, as to where they must be placed in your home.
- Keep extra smoke detector batteries on hand.
- TEST smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors routinely (I use the spring forward, fall back calendar method) and replace batteries.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and water heater.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in a safe and accessible area of the home.
- Teach all family members how to use the extinguisher
WEATHER PROOFING WINDOWS AND DOORS
- Apply weatherstripping around doors to keep out cold air
- Caulk windows that need it (you'll know which ones, as you'll hear the wind whistling through the cracks).
- Replace cracked glass in windows.
- If you have storm windows, it's time to get them installed.
ROOFS AND GUTTERS
- Check flashing around your fireplace. (One of MY worst winter disasters was due to bad flashing).
- Replace old, worn out roof shingles or tiles.
- Clean out gutters and make sure your downspouts are clean of debris.
- Many stores carry leaf guards for gutters--consider these.
GET YOUR OUTDOOR AREA PREPARED
- Trim tree branches away from house or electrical wires.
- OR, call the electric company if branches are already IN the wires
- Time to prune trees
THINGS TO HAVE ON HAND...in case of black outs or other winter emergencies:
- Have several FLASHLIGHTS, in different rooms
- EXTRA Batteries-all different sizes
- Extra candles, matches and lighters
- Tape phone numbers of utility companies near the phone
- Battery back-up to protect your computer and other sensitive electronic equipment.
- Extra bottled water, can foods and other non-perishable goodies
- Blankets and a first aid kit
- Pet food and supplies: WE CAN'T FORGET OUR PETS!!!
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Kat,
I was waiting with anticipation for the day you posted this blog! Great idea! Everyone should take your advise and winterize their homes.
I unfortunately was caught off guard when a cold winter storm of 2006 hit me by surprise with temperatures of 17-20 degrees and froze my pipes. With two pipes bursting in the upper level of my home you can only imagine the mess I had and the headaches I went through to replace and repair everything that was damaged! (What A Mess)! I have been winterizing my home every year since and won't take any chances again.
Take Kat's advise and take the time to winterize your home...you'll sleep better at night knowing your house is ready for natures fury!
Michelle: THANK YOU, as always, for your support. What happened to your home was horrible. I can't even imagine....
...the worst (knock on wood) thing that has happened to us, so far, has been the bad flashing around my chimney. It was old and wasn't lying in place next to the chimney, securely in place, and then El Nino 1992 came (Jan). After 13 days of straight rain, my carpet in the living room was ruined.
Winterize...Winterize...Winterize...
Thanks for the reminder. Good luck.
Gita: You're so welcome! Sometimes we hate to admit it, but winter is coming.... Although today, here anyway, it is BEAUTIFUL. One of those fool ya kind of fall days. Thanks for stopping by.