4 Things to Protect from Freezing
Posted by Kevin McKee on Wed, Jan 06, 2010 @ 12:16 PM
With freezing weather our daily routine gets a little shaken up. Now with some preparation, we can avoid costly damage to our property or even dangerous mistakes that can compromise our health as we move indoors to wait out the cold.
1. Protect Yourself.
With cold, freezing weather we will almost do anything to stay warm. Just make sure it doesn't harm your indoor air quality. Don’t bring in your grill or use your gas stove to warm up your house. These can release deadly amounts of carbon monoxide into the home. Using a space heater or electrical appliances may work, but never leave them unattended or close to any combustible materials. Always turn them off before going to sleep.
If you happen to build a fire, be aware that smoke releases fine particulate into the air that you are breathing. The safer, healthier, and greener alternative is to use one of those fake, man-made fire logs. A 2006 EPA study comparing real logs to these fake logs, shows that fake logs produce 75% less carbon monoxide, 80% less particulate, and 90% less hazardous air pollutants.
3. Protect your Home.
With freezing weather always comes the chance of freezing pipes that can cause serious damage to your property. Take the necessary precautions like covering outdoor faucets, not setting the temperature below 55˚ F indoors (even when away from the home), keep cabinets underneath sinks open to the warmed air, and keep a faucet dripping. A little expense now could save hundreds or even thousands later. Read the Texas Department of Insurance’s press release from yesterday on more tips to protect your home or property. http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/news/2010/news2010.html
3. Protect your Pets.
If you can, bring your pets indoors. They probably aren’t use to the freezing weather either. If they must stay outdoors provide them with an enclosed shelter and provide an entrance facing away from any wind. Make sure to give them some extra blankets or hay to bundle up with. Their health will greatly appreciate it.
4. Protect your Plants.
With drastic changes like freezing you can lose or greatly damage some of your landscaping plants. The best way to protect them is with a burlap bag or some type of fabric. Plastic doesn’t breathe and can do more damage. Make sure to cover them before the sun goes down and then uncover them when the sun comes up.
What else do we need to protect ourselves from the freeze? Let us know.
Photo Courtesy of jlcwalker.