Winter is Coming! According to the Farmer's Almanac 2019 winter outlook

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

Winter is coming! And according to the Farmers’ Almanac’s famous long-range weather outlook, it’s going to be a “teeth-chattering cold one, with plenty of snow!” Well that won’t hit Texas you think, but the Almanac goes one step further saying that the South will get “stinging cold with average precipitation.” So now the big question, are you and your home properly prepared to deal with a severe cold snap? Here are just a few basic tips to get you and your home ready for the winter cold:

Winter Home Preparation Tips:

• Clean you gutters and down spouts prior to cold weather arriving to prevent ice buildup in them.
• Inspect fire places and chimneys before using, get them cleaned if they are excessively dirty
• Install plastic sheet window insulation kits to cut down on drafts and to add an extra layer of insulation around your windows
• Caulk any cracks or holes on the outside of your home
• Check and replace, if necessary, any deteriorated weather stripping around doors and windows
• Run your ceiling fans on low and in reverse (clockwise when looking up) to help circulate warm air
• Make sure to disconnect and drain any garden hoses attached to your home
• Cover outside spigots with foam insulation covers
• Turn off your sprinkler system and blow compressed air through the lines to drain them
• If you have a faucet that is on an outside wall, open the lower cabinet doors to allow warm air flow, and open the faucet to a slow drip to help ensure those pipes don’t easily freeze.

Winter Weather Tips:

• Make sure you have an adequate supply of nonperishable food and water
• Refill all essential prescription medications in advance• Fill your car with gas
• Check antifreeze levels in your car, and check the tire air pressure as cold weather can cause the pressure inside your tires to lower
• Charge your cell phone
• Make sure flashlights and weather radio have fresh batteries. Also make sure you have an adequate supply of batteries on hand
• Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, with fresh batteries
• Have a working fire extinguisher in your home

Following most of these winter preparedness steps will ensure that you are ahead of the curve when dealing with a severe winter storm if we get one. SERVPRO of Greater Waco is here to help you recover in the event that your home is affected by freezing pipes or loss of power during the upcoming winter months.