Getting ready for a frozen Christmas

Georgia will be celebrating an unusually cold Christmas this weekend. To help avoid potential damage to your home caused by freezing temperatures, take the following precautionary steps:

• Turn the thermostat up to keep your home slightly warmer than usual, 60 degrees or higher.
• Open cabinet doors so heat can reach water lines along the exterior walls in the kitchen, bathrooms, etc.
• For water lines and water heaters in the attic, open the attic hatch so heat can get in.
• Leave faucets running a very slow drip, three to four drips per minute, so water continues to move through the lines.
• Insulate water lines that are in unheated areas like garages, attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
• If you have a pool, drain its water lines.
• Disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets.
• Cover outdoor faucets with insulated outdoor faucet covers as they are directly exposed to freezing temperatures.
• If your garage is attached to your home keeping the door closed will help keep cold air out and can protect plumbing fixtures in your garage.
• Find your home’s water shut-off valve and know how to use it.