Precautions to Take for Your Home During Winter Weather

During the winter weather, it is important to stay safe and keep necessities like water and electricity maintained within your home. A main concern with cold temperatures is water pipes becoming frozen and bursting or an electrical fire from heaters. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance give tips to help prevent or efforts to take if this occurs. Turn off the water right away and turn off the main shut-off valve before attempting to defrost pipes. By using a hair drier or space heater to warm the air surrounding the pipe, you can thaw the frozen water within. The space heater should never be left alone and never use a blow torch or other open flame to try to defrost frozen pipes. Restarting the water should be done carefully by turning the water back on gradually when the pipes have thawed, and look for any more leaks or cracks. Tips to take into consideration when keeping your home warm are when you leave the room or go to bed, turn off portable heaters (such kerosene heaters or space heaters). Space is necessary for portable heaters and anything that can catch fire should be kept at least three feet away. Never heat your house using the range in the kitchen as it is a potential source of hazardous gasses and a fire danger. Please stay safe!