With the Washington DC area bracing for some the coldest temperatures in the past 20 years, we encourage you to follow some simple tips for safeguarding your home and belongings. Many of the recommendations are from the Red Cross:
- Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children
- When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst
- Dress in layers and keep your head and hands covered
- Keep a blanket, water and non-perishable snacks in the car
- Be mindful of exposure to the elements for pets
- Don’t use stoves or ovens as an alternative for heat
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy if burning a fire
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F
Be safe and stay warm
