Extreme cold weather can really take a toll on both you and your home.

    This type of weather is characterized by bone-chilling temperatures, high winds, and frozen precipitation like snow and ice.

    And let’s not forget about wind chill, which can make those already frigid temperatures feel even colder.

    And if that’s not enough, extreme cold weather can also bring other types of frozen precipitation like freezing rain and heavy snow, which can cause blizzard conditions. But fear not, because I’ve got some tips to help you stay safe and protect your home when the mercury drops.

    Here are some tips to stay safe and protect your home when extreme weather hits your area.


    Protecting Pipes Before They Freeze

    Extreme cold weather can lead to frozen pipes. And once they freeze, they can then burst, causing extensive damage to your home.

    Before that happens, disconnect and drain all garden hoses and cover outside faucets with insulating foam covers.

    Then turn off the water to the outside faucets, if available, and open valves on the faucets to let them drain.

    (nsj-images, Getty Images Sigature)

    Finally, turn off the sprinkler system and blow compressed air through the lines to drain them.

    You’ll also need to close or cover foundation vents under the house and windows to basements. Also, close the garage doors.

    Then tackle this to-do list:

    • Insulate exposed pipes (both hot and cold) under your house with foam pipe insulation.
    • Open the cabinet doors under sinks.
    • Drip hot and cold faucets in kitchen and bath. Drip single-control faucets with the lever set in the middle.
    • Set the icemaker to make ice if the water line to it runs under the house.
    • Don’t forget to check on the pipes to your washing machine in the laundry room
    • Locate the water main cut-off valve, and have a cut-off key handy.
    • Use a hairdryer, heat lamp, electric heat tape, or a portable space heater to thaw frozen pipes that have not burst.
    • Keep the faucet open when thawing frozen pipes to allow water to begin flowing through it.

    After the weather has warmed above freezing and any frozen pipes have thawed, turn off dripping faucets and monitor your water meter to check for unseen leaks.


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    Tips to Stay Warm in Your Home

    If you’re looking to stay warm during extreme cold weather (and who isn’t), here are some tips to help you out:

    • Have your furnace inspected before cold weather arrives. Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, install a clean air filter, and check the thermostat to see if it’s working properly.
    • Inspect fireplaces and chimneys before using, and have them cleaned if needed.
    • Keep drapes and blinds closed, except when windows are in direct sunlight.
    • Put up storm windows, or install sheet plastic window insulation kits on the inside of windows.
    (©Sunny studio/Adobe Stock)
    • Cover or remove any window air conditioners.
    • Insulate electrical outlets and switches on exterior walls with foam seals available at home centers.
    • Caulk any cracks or holes on the outside of your house.
    • Repair or replace weather stripping and thresholds around doors and windows.
    • Run paddle ceiling fans on low in reverse (clockwise when looking up) to circulate warm air.
    • Put draft dodgers on window sills, between window frames, and against doors.
    • If you heat with propane or fuel oil, make sure the tank is full.
    • If you heat with wood or coal, have plenty of fuel on hand.

    Tips to Protect the Outside of Your Home

    Protecting the outside of your home during extreme cold weather is just as important as keeping the inside warm. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

    • Clean your gutters and downspouts before cold weather arrives to prevent ice from forming in them.
    • Spray an ice-repellent solution on steps and walks before freezing weather arrives
    • Check antifreeze levels in cars. Add if needed, then run the engine to circulate the new antifreeze through the radiator and engine block.
    • Add freeze-resistant windshield wiper fluid, and spray to circulate it in lines.
    (SkyF, Getty Images)
    • Check the air pressure in tires, since cold weather causes the pressure to lower.
    • To protect your garden from freezing temperatures, bring in container plants, add mulch around plants, and cover plants that are prone to frost damage. Remove covering when temperatures warm above freezing.
    • Drain birdbaths and fountains
    • Gently sweep snow off plants and shrubs in an upward motion with a broom.
    • Use rock salt, sand, or clay-based kitty litter on walks and drives (NOTE: Salt can damage grass and other plants).
    • Don’t overdo it when using a snow shovel.
    • Stay off your roof during freezing weather, but once the ice and snow have melted, inspect your roof for any damage.

    Staying Safe During Extreme Cold Weather

    The best way to stay safe during an ice or snowstorm is to be prepared. 

    Firstly, stockpiling non-perishable food and water is essential. Make sure to refill prescription medications in advance of the storm and fill your car with gas. Charge your cell phones and have flashlights, batteries, a weather radio, and a manual can opener on hand.

    A portable generator can be a lifesaver when the power goes out, but be sure to take precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning when using it.

    (Alex Kosev via Canva.com)

    Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with fresh batteries.

    Additionally, have a working fire extinguisher on hand for emergencies. If you live in an area with trees, a chainsaw can come in handy for removing broken limbs after an ice storm.

    Remember, safety is the top priority during an ice or snowstorm. You can keep your loved ones safe during extreme weather by following these tips and staying prepared.


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    Danny Lipford

    Founder

    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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