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Winter -- WNCTIMES wants to remind people to get their homes ready for the heating season as the mercury drops below freezing.
We hope you will take the time to read
these safety tips to keep you, your family and pets safe in your home when it turns cold outside.
1) If you have pipes on an exterior wall, you may prevent them from freezing by doing one of two things: 1. letting hot and cold water drip or trickle overnight from a faucet, or 2. installing insulation around the pipes.
2) If you have uninsulated pipes under the sink or near an exterior wall, you should open the cabinet doors to let more warm air in. keep the heat on and at no less than 55 degrees overnight.
3) To prevent frozen pipes while you're gone, you should either (1) have someone check in on the house every day to make sure the heat is on or (2) drain and turn off the water system (except
indoor sprinkler systems).
4) Be sure everyone knows how to turning off the water to the house in case pipes burst.
A pipe should never be thawed by an open flame or torch. The best option is to use a blow dryer.
The risk of electric shock increases significantly when near any body of still water, thus you should avoid it at all costs.
About 1,000 people in the United States lose their lives annually to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed as a priority.
GENERATORS SHOULD NEVER BE USED INSIDE
If you're using a kerosene heater, it's important to follow the manufacturer's directions and crack the window a crack.
Never, ever try to heat your home with a gas oven.
If the power goes out, stay warm by sealing off unused areas, layering lightweight clothes, and wear a hat.
Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters
1) A screen should always be used to contain a fire.
2) Never use gas to light a fire.
3) Charcoal should never be burned inside.
4) Do not shut the damper when hot ashes are present.
Use only fireplaces, small well-ventilated wood or coal stoves, or portable space heaters for alternate heating sources. Make sure to always read and adhere to the manual.
Protecting the Health and Safety of Your Pets and Animals
1) Bring Pets Inside
2) Make sure shelter and fresh water is provided.
3 Prevent paws from coming into contact with salt.
Preparing the Vehicle:
I Make sure the battery is charged.
2. Inspect the vehicle's fluids (such as the radiator water, windshield wiper fluid, engine oil, etc.)
3. Inspect the vehicle's tires.
4.Make sure you have jumper cables on hand.
5. Bring a warm blanket
WNCTIMES by Marjorie Farrington
