When winter temperatures drop below freezing, keeping warm and safe can prove to be a challenge. Before the first freeze in Denver, homeowners are advised to take some cautionary measures in protecting their homes and loved ones. Here are some tips for dealing with extremely cold temperatures.
The most important pointers include keeping warm and staying inside if possible. If you need to go out, make sure you wear appropriate clothing to stay warm. Keep heaters away from water, furniture, and children. To protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning, install a battery-operated detector that detects CO emissions in your home.
It is also advisable to prepare your vehicle for the cold winter months. Have it serviced and add antifreeze whenever necessary. Make sure the battery connections are clean and tight. If your battery is older than 4 years, consider replacing it with a new one.
Any faucets that are located on the outside walls of your home must be adequately insulated. During the freezing temperatures, especially in the evenings, set your faucets to a slow drip. For utmost effectiveness, turn ON both the hot and cold taps slightly as they are both at risk of freezing.
Your main water valve should always be accessible so make sure you clear the path and declutter anything that is blocking your way to the main water valve. In the event of a plumbing emergency, you will need to be able to easily access the valve. Remember to check to see that the shut-off valve is in working condition. If there is rust around this valve, replace it immediately.
To take this one step further, make sure all your family members know how to turn off the main water valve in the house. If you live in a colder climate, your shut-off valve will be located inside the house so show all your family members where this valve is and how it can be turned off. It may be worthwhile to invest in a meter key as it will enable you to turn off the water from the meter in the event that the valve fails. Always check with your municipality about whether you are permitted to shut off the water yourself.
Another good tip is to keep the garage door shut before the freezing weather arrives. This is especially important if the garage is attached to your home. As a result, the cold air will be kept out and you will protect any pipes that you may have in your garage.
Keeping the gutters debris free and clean will minimize the chances of having ice dams on the roof. Before the cold weather comes, spend some time cleaning the gutters in order to prevent problems later. Another helpful tip to prevent ice dams on your roof is by ensuring your attic is properly ventilated. By inspecting the attic area, you will know whether it is insulated or not. If in doubt, get in touch with a local plumbing and heating company for advice on how to winterize your home properly.
