Winterize: Preparing for winter weather
As winter sets in, it’s great to enjoy the beauty of nature with walks, sled riding and skiing.
But it’s also a good time to prepare your home for those cold winter blasts.
Several organizations offer safety tips to keep you warm and safe.
The American Red Cross’ website (www.redcross.org/wintersafety) advises:
“Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
“Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out.
“Consider buying emergency heating equipment, such as a wood- or coal-burning stove or an electric or kerosene heater.”
“Be prepared for snow with warm coats, hats, gloves and boots. Keep shovels and rock salt on hand. And don’t forget to make your automobiles winter prepped as well with ice scrapers, sand to put beneath your wheel if you get stuck and an emergency kit.”
The website also includes more detailed advice on such subjects as how to protect your pipes from freezing.
“Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes,” the Red Cross explained. “This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.”
Pipes most likely to freeze, according to the Red Cross, are those exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hoses and lines; pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets; and pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.
Among its recommendations, the Red Cross says to drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines, drain and store hoses used outdoors and insulate pipes in unheated areas.
Prevent frozen pipes in very cold weather, the Red Cross says, by keeping garage doors closed if the garage contains water supply lines, keep the thermostat set to the same temperature day and night, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing and let cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes.
You can suspect a frozen pipe if you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, said the Red Cross, which recommends keeping the faucet open as you treat the pipe.
“Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device,” the Red Cross said. “Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber. Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.”
In addition to cold, winter means snowfall.
The Snow and Ice Management Association has a number of tips for shoveling snow on its website (www.sima.org/discover-sima/public-safety/safety-tips/safe-snow-shoveling) including:
To prevent snow and ice from adhering to the sidewalk or street, clear the snow every few inches instead of waiting for the snow to stop falling before you head outdoors.
Wear layers of loose clothing so you can peal a layer off if you get hot. Avoid wearing heavy wool, man-made materials or other materials that don’t allow perspiration to evaporate.
Wear quality outdoor winter wear such as waterproof boots with good traction, which is critical to ensuring that you don’t slip and fall.
The association noted shoveling snow is a workout so you need to warm your muscles before you begin: “Stretching before you start shoveling will help prevent injury and fatigue.”
Pushing snow to the side rather than trying to lift it will place less stress on your body, noted the association, also reminding you to take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
And on these cold days and nights, don’t forget your pets.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on its website (www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cold-weather-safety-tips)recommends several safety tips for your pets in the winter, including:
“Towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in-between the toes. Remove any snow balls from between his foot pads.
“Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is long-haired, simply trim him to minimize clinging ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry his skin, and don’t neglect the hair between his toes. If your dog is short-haired, consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly.
“Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside.”
The Red Cross also issued a recent press release with advice if a winter storm sets in, including:
Have at least a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food.
Check the batteries in your flashlights and radios.
Keep all heating exhaust vents clear of snow at all times and follow proper safety precautions when using any sort of portable or alternate heating sources. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or any type of gas-powered device inside your home.
“Check on family, friends, and neighbors who may require special assistance – such as the elderly, people living alone, and people with disabilities,” the Red Cross added.
After the storm, don’t forget to enjoy the loveliness of the snow by spending some time outdoors. Then you can come back inside your home for some hot coffee or chocolate and relax by watching television or reading a good book.
Enjoy both the indoors and outdoors this winter but don’t forget to be prepared.