02/12/2021
As we all brace for the arctic blast in Texas, here are some tips to help keep you and your home safe from unnecessary damages. Stay safe and warm!
€ THERMOSTAT – set to a minimum of 60-65 degrees to protect against frozen pipes
€ TURN OFF WATER - If the home is vacant. Once water is off, drain the pipes by opening the faucets and flushing toilets to clear water from them.
€ LET WATER DRIP - If water is left on, let the cold water drip from faucets. Moving water is hard to freeze.
€ OPEN CABINETS - Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets, so warm air can circulate.
€ DRAIN EXTERIOR WATER PIPES - Winterize the pipes by draining all water from the hose lines and shutting off the water to the sprinkler’s backflow.
€ WRAP EXTERIOR WATER VALVES - Wrap or cover outdoor water pipe and above ground irrigation valves with a piece of insulation to prevent water from freezing and busting.
€ CLEAN GUTTERS - Clear all the debris out of rain gutters and check the downspouts for any blockages.
€ TRIM TREE BRANCHES - Check for any tree branches that may have grown too close to the roof and need to be trimmed.
€ CHECK FOR ROOF LEAKS - Inspect the roof to ensure there are no active leaks.
€ CHECK FOR DRAFTS - around windows and doors and seal them with caulking or new weather strips to prevent cold air from seeping. (Temporary draft protection can come in the form of blankets, towels, or bubble wrap over leaky windows and draft stoppers under doors).
€ CHANGE AIR FILTERS - it can help central air and heat work better.
€ REVERSE CEILING FANS - Reverse the ceiling fans to a clockwise direction so they push hot air along the ceiling to the floor.
€ PRESERVE YOUR PLANTS - Water plants before it gets cold and bring them inside or cover them up. Adding mulch to flower beds can also help insulate.
€ SECURE REAL ESTATE SIGNS - Remove or secure outdoor signs, furniture and décor that could be blown away in strong winds.
€ DON’T FORGET YOUR POOL - Make sure the water levels are correct and break up any ice that may have accumulated on the surface or near the skimmers. Consider running the pump continuously through the night when temperatures are freezing.
€ DO A FIRE HAZARD CHECK - Fireplaces, furnaces, and heat sources can be dangerous. Consider hiring a professional to check the fireplace, heater or furnace prior to winter use. Check all smoke and CO2 detectors to ensure they are functioning properly.
€ CHECK FIREPLACE - If the fireplace hasn’t been used lately, make sure to check the chimney/flue before using it. Birds may have nested or debris could be trapped at top.
€ BE CAREFUL WITH SPACE HEATERS - Make sure if you run a space heater it’s on a good flat surface and at least 3 feet away from any objects!
