Home Preparedness Tips for Prolonged Frigid Cold



Public Information Statement
National Weather Service New York NY
856 PM EST Tue Dec 26 2017

...Home Preparedness Tips for Prolonged Frigid Cold...

An arctic airmass will be entrenched over the region for at least
the next week. High temperatures will likely not rise above the 
upper teens to mid 20s during this time, with overnight lows in 
the lower teens to single digits. 

Here are some tips to protect your home from the cold:

* Insulate water supply lines that run through unheated areas. 
  These are usually found in the basement, crawl spaces, attic, 
  garage, under bathroom and kitchen cabinets, and along exterior 
  walls. 

* Cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water 
  pipes should be sealed with caulk to keep the cold air out.

* Reduce wind drafts that transport cold air from outside to 
  inside the house by making sure that all exterior windows and 
  doors are air tight.

* Open kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets to allow warmer air to 
  circulate around plumbing.

* Allow faucets to drip slowly to keep unheated pipes from 
  freezing. Keeping them open relieves pressure that builds 
  between the faucet and ice blockage.

* Don't turn the heat down too much if you are going away. Leave 
  the heat set to at least 55 degrees. 

* Also, know where and how to shut off the main water supply in 
  case of a ruptured pipe.

Keeping your home warm can also be difficult in this weather.

* Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel.

* Never use a stove, oven, grill, etc. to heat your home.

* Place space heaters on level hard surfaces at least three feet from
  anything flammable. Never leave them unattended.

* Install carbon monoxide detectors in you home and quickly move 
  to fresh air if the alarm sounds. 

Finally, check that seniors, infants, those with chronic health 
problems, and mental health conditions are in safely and 
adequately heated dwellings.