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Record freezing temps came our way this week. Fayetteville experienced temps at -20 degrees. Before below freezing temperatures hit, be sure to winterize your home. Just a little time spent can save you thousands in home repairs. Although winters like we just experienced (Feb 2021) are very unusual for this area, freezing temps are not. Many residents here are moving from areas that may never have freezing temps and do not know the preventive measures needed. So, here are a few hints to help winterize your home.

1. Locate Water Shut Off -Make sure you know where the water shut off is to your home. This is good to know no matter the time of year. If you ever have a water leak, you will need to know how to shut off the water. If you are a seasonal resident, you may want to shut off the water while you are away.
2. Cover your outside pipes – Remove all attached garden hoses, drain them and store them away. Shut off the valves and insulate the faucet.
3. Protect your pipes– With severe temperature drops, keep a stream of water running in a few faucets to guard against freezing and bursting. Also leave bathroom and kitchen cabinets open to let the warm air in there
4. Seal the Cracks – Caulk around holes and openings to help prevent cold air from seeping in. Install weather stripping and seals around openings such as windows, doors, air conditioners and mail chutes.
5. Keep in Cozy – Set your thermostat for at least 65 degrees and make sure your house or apartment is well-insulated.
6. Have heating checked- Furnaces, boilers and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year to clear any buildup and to keep them running efficiently.
7. Test your detectors – Residential fires are more common in winter, so it is important that all of your smoke detectors work. Check them monthly and replace batteries as needed. You should also consider installing a carbon monoxide detector to avoid inadvertently trapping this toxic gas in your home.
8. Clear the yard – Keep the trees trimmed and remove dead branches and debris from your yard. Ice, snow and wind can weaken trees and cause branches to fall and potentially damage your home, car or even yourself and others. Call a professional to remove trees over power lines.
9. Cover your windows – A lot of heat can be lost and the cold air can seep in through your windows. Hang curtains to cover the windows to help keep your home cozy.

Be sure to bring domestic animals inside. and provide shelter for any outside animals. Also be sure to check on your neighbors. Many may not have the ability to keep warm, get medications or get food if the roads become icy.

This can be a wonderful time of year if you are prepared. Stay warm and stay safe