Get Out Your Winterizing Check List — Storm Coming Tonight!
I just dropped my coworker off at the tire place to have his winter tires installed (6-hour wait). Everyone is working on their winterizing to-do list and I don't want you to forget anything! Check out these reminders:
- 1
Keep water taps dripping a little (in older houses)
The constant flow of water will help prevent the pipes from freezing. Newer houses or homes with newer plumbing don't need to worry about this.
- 2
Don't drive fast!
This is not a winterizing tip, but it's SOOOO important the next couple of weeks. Even if there's no snow, black ice will be everywhere!
- 3
DO NOT PUT SPACE HEATERS IN YOUR BASEMENT!!!
I can't tell you how many fires I responded to when I was a firefighter where homeowners turned space heaters on in the basement to prevent pipes from freezing.
- 4
Wrap pipes that go outside the house in insulation
Any pipe that abuts the side of the house and/or runs outside (to a spigot or something) should be wrapped in insulation.
- 5
Replace windshield washing fluid with de-icer
It's kind of a pain to drain your windshield washing fluid, but you'll thank me if you add one with de-icer!
- 6
Check anti-freeze levels in your engine
Anti-freeze is cheap, dirt cheap. Make sure you've got enough in your engine.
- 7
Change windshield wiper blades
I ALWAYS ignore this advice and I always end up being sorry. Your wipers make a huge difference in how much you can see. If you have to make a surprise run out to Walla Walla, Yakima or Othello and you get stuck in an ice storm, you're going to wish you had good wipers!
- 8
Make sure you have blankets in your trunk
If you're ever stranded on the side of the road, make sure you have blankets stashed in the trunk.
- 9
Replace furnace filters
It will save you energy and keep you warmer!
- 10
- 11
Invest in a carbon monoxide alarm
A lot of people who have a carbon monoxide leak in their homes don't find out until winter, when they decrease the air circulation in their home. Get an alarm to let you know if you have a problem before it's too late.