Hopatcong Police Winter Safety Tips
With dangerously cold temperatures over the next few days, protecting your home and property from winter weather damage is important. Here are some tips to help avoid frozen pipes and fuel/oil line issues during extreme cold:
Keep water moving – Let faucets served by exposed pipes drip slowly when the temperature drops below freezing. Moving water is much less likely to freeze.
Insulate vulnerable pipes – Wrap pipes in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and along exterior walls with foam insulation or heat tape.
Seal cold air drafts – Check around pipe entry points, windows, and doors for drafts and seal with caulk or weather stripping to keep warm air in and cold out.
Open cabinet doors – Allow warm indoor air to circulate around pipes under sinks and along exterior walls.
Thermostat strategy – Keep your home at a consistent temperature, especially overnight and when you’re away. Don’t set heat too low; a modestly higher setting can help protect your plumbing.
Check your oil/fuel lines – In very cold weather, diesel fuel and some heating oils can gel. If you use oil heat, keep your tank topped up and consider additives recommended by your fuel supplier to prevent gelling or line freezing.
Know your shut-offs – Make sure you know where your main water shut-off valve is in an emergency, shutting off the water quickly can prevent major flooding.
Even a small amount of preparation now can help avoid costly repairs later. Stay safe and warm this winter season!
