Protecting your home against the bitter cold
January's winter storm is having a significant effect on many Canadians, with record-setting low temperatures, frostbite warnings, power outages and more. Here are a few tips to protect yourself, and your home this winter.
The recently dubbed "polar vortex" that currently grips Canada and many parts of the US is proving more impactful than previous winters, leaving many wondering how best to cope. We all know to bundle up, stay indoors and protect ourselves, but what about our homes?
Many household concerns are typically dealt with before winter starts, such as gutter maintenance and insulation, but there are still many things home owners can do now that will reduce the possibility of the winter storm adversely affecting their homes.
- Check and maintain your furnace, so it's up to the challenge of heating the home on bitter cold days.
- Keep the outside of your home and walkways clear of ice and snow. Falling ice and slippery walkways are dangerous and can pose liability concerns if falls occur.
- If you're going away for a long period of time, it is a good idea to turn off the water supply and drain pipes to prevent freezing. In the case of a significant temperature drop while you're still in your home, keeping a minimal stream of water flowing through the pipes is another method of preventing them from freezing.
For more helpful hints on protecting your home, your loved ones and yourself during the winter storm, click here for the full article from CBC News.