Yea, It’s Freakin’ Cold. Here’s How to Stay Safe:

When temperatures dip below normal, let alone in the sub-zero range, there are things you can do to stay safe during a cold snap. The Red Cross offers the following steps people can take during the big chill: Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing your body heat.   Don’t forget your pets – bring them indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.   Protect your pipes – run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the...

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When is it Cold Enough Pipes to Freeze?

We have reached pipe freezing temperatures several times this winter. We will reach those temperatures again in the coming days.Yes, it definitely gets cold enough for pipes to freeze in Indiana! Since plumbing pipes typically run inside the building envelope in colder climates, it usually takes colder outdoor temperatures to freeze. In more moderate regions, the “temperature alert threshold” is 20 degrees Fahrenheit, in contrast to about zero degrees Fahrenheit in the cooler regions. Temperature isn’t the only factor, however. Wind chill – the perceived temperature that results from the combination of temperature and moving air or wind speed – can accelerate freezing water or penetrate deeper into the home than air that is frigid but still. The pipe location...

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Tips for Shoveling Snow

After many years of shoveling snow, I’ve learned a few things. With a little practice and some patience, it’s amazing how efficient you can be with equipment no more sophisticated than an ordinary snow shovel. Here are my top 16 tips for how to shovel snow. 1. Stretch first Don’t be in a hurry to get outside. Stretch thoroughly using the same sorts of moves that runners, mountain bikers and other athletes use. Stretch your hamstrings, stretch your back, and stretch your shoulders. Then dress in removable layers, grab your shovel and resist the urge to fly at the white stuff just to get the job done. Pace yourself. Start slowly and ramp up to speed. 2. Don’t move snow twice Before you even take your first scoop, decide where you’re...

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Fall Has Arrived! Start Prepping Your Home Now For Cooler Weather

part 1 of 3 Tis the season for vibrant reds, golden yellows and vivid oranges, pumpkins, and refreshingly cool temps. But, it also means winter isn’t far away. Here are a few projects—from looking after your exterior to maintaining your heating system—that can help your home brace for the cold and save you some cash.  Install and Maintain Paths and Walkways When crossing your muddy yard to fetch the daily paper turns into an obstacle course of slips and slides, perhaps it’s time to think about an alternative path—literally. Holiday guests to come would also appreciate safe passage to your door. So, take a weekend to lay a brick walkway. Make sure you check sidewalks and driveways for cracks. If you don’t fill them now, water can seep in and...

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DIY Safety: What You Need To Know

DIY Safety – What you need to know:   Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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