Extremely cold weather is moving through the Binghamton area this week, with the National Weather Service Binghamton issuing a hazardous weather outlook predicting wind chills as low as 25 degrees below zero.
With the cold front moving in, it’s recommended to dress in layers and bundle up if you have to be outside. There are also important steps to take to ensure your home is safe during the cold days and nights ahead.
Here are some of the ways Broome County Emergency Services Director Neil Haight says you can prepare your home for extreme winter weather.
More: Binghamton snowfall is ‘well above’ normal this winter. How much snow has fallen so far
How to prepare your home for extremely cold weather
If you use a space heater, avoid these mistakes
“One of the biggest things we see when it gets extremely cold is that residents will start looking to supplemental heating methods, like a woodstove or a space heater,” said Haight. “These can be useful, but only when used safely and correctly.”
Haight advised to only safe sources of alternative heat like fireplaces, portable space heaters or small wood stoves, and to “always make sure you have proper ventilation.”
Make sure your home has working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.
If you are choosing to use a space heater, Haight said to never plug it into an extension cord or power strip and do not place it where children could easily bump into it.
Prevent frozen pipes
Haight said his department sees “a lot of fires” started when people try to use open flame to thaw frozen pipes.
Instead, Haight suggests the following steps to prevent your pipes from freezing:
-
Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance that is near an outer wall.
-
Make sure the heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees in your home.
-
If you plan to be away, have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing.
The New York State Department of Health further suggests letting the faucets in your home slightly drip to avoid frozen pipes.
In the event that your pipes do freeze, Haight suggested the following;
-
Make sure you and your family know how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst. Stopping the water flow will minimize the damage to your home.
-
Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. Call a licensed plumber for assistance.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: How to prepare your house for extreme cold, prevent frozen pipes
