Protecting Pipes and Other Tips During Extreme Cold

Protect your home from extreme cold
Tink Bartro enjoying an Upstate snow; February 2015 Photo credit Stacie Bartro

As temperatures are expected to drop to 18 degrees Tuesday night, with highs Wednesday only reaching into the 30's, here are some things to do to protect your home.

Protecting pipes. Remember to disconnect and drain garden hoses and cover the outside faucets. Turn off sprinkler systems. Close crawl space vents. Insulate pipes. Drip water from the faucets and set the refrigerator icemaker to make ice. More tips at TodaysHomeowner.com.

Help keep pipes from freezing by giving them a "blanket" of insulation.
Insulating pipes can help protect against extreme cold. Photo credit Stacie Bartro

Duke Energy also suggests installing electric heat tape directly on pipes which is available in most hardware stores. Set the home thermostat to the lowest temperature in which a family is most comfortable and Window air conditioners should either be removed or sealed to prevent cold air from entering.

And just a reminder, if you can, bring outdoor pets in. According to PetMD, with temps in the teens and 20's, dogs can develop hypothermia or frostbite.

hobo_018 - iStock/Getty Images Plus
Keep pets safe from extreme cold, but also have fun! Photo credit hobo_018 - iStock/Getty Images Plus
Featured Image Photo Credit: Stacie Bartro