Weather forecasters are calling for a pretty good freeze sometime this weekend. After a predicted high of 72 on Thursday, it appears that temperatures may begin to drop. At the time of this writing, the forecast is for the temperature to drop to 32 at midnight on Friday night and then dip into the mid-twenties throughout the night. There is a forecasted low of 26 degrees for Terry County early Saturday morning.
With the coming of freezing weather, we will finally see an end to the fruit flies that have driven us all crazy the last few weeks. But, also, we need to remember to prepare our homes for freezing weather.
Preparing Your Home for a Freeze
Inside
- Open the cabinets under the sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated air to circulate around the water pipes.
- Set your thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees, especially when you are gone for the day or away for a long time. 68 degrees is ideal for energy conservation.
- Let indoor faucets drip, but do not run a heavy stream of water (remember, it only takes a small drip).
Outside
- Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and pipes in unheated areas with pipe insulation. In a pinch, wrapping them with rags, newspapers, trash bags, plastic foam or even bubble wrap can add needed protection.
- Cover any vents around your home’s foundation.
- Drain water hoses and store them in a garage or shed.
- Drain irrigation water supply lines.
- Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
- Make sure you know where your main water shut-off valve is. Most homes have a master valve or a main water shut-off that will allow you to turn off all the water coming into the house. The video below can help you find the valve and learn how to shut it off safely.
- If you suspect you have a leak, turn the water off at the main shut-off valve.Watch our video below to help find the valve and learn how to shut it off safely.
- If you drain your pipes, do not forget to turn off the power to your water heater if it is electric and turn of the gas supply line the water heater if it is a gas appliance.
So get ready for the cooler weather! Protect your pets and your plants, along with all the other items mentioned.
“Oh the weather outside is frightful!!”
