Be Prepared For That Next Winter Storm With These Quick Tips

It's getting cold, and that means you're at risk for blizzards or ice storms. Depending on where you live, these winter storms can knock out the power for weeks. With these easy tips, you can be prepared for and even enjoy these storms.

Stay Warm

Losing power means losing heat, and that can be a pain. But trust me, you can live comfortably for a long time with no heat. The first step is to dress warm. Lots of light layers keep you warmer than one big coat, so layer up. Wear a hat or a hood as well.

Your body loses most of its heat through your head. It's also important to insulate your house. Put extra weather stripping or towels under the door and windows. You don't want any drafts getting in.

Keep Your Water Running

Pipes might freeze during a winter storm as well. It's important to keep the water running. The water in the pipes will freeze much faster if it isn't moving. So go to each faucet and tap and turn them on just a little bit, so that they're barely dripping. That way the water won't sit still in the pipes and freeze.

Stay In The Loop

Your regular sources of information may be obsolete without electricity. Your computer and cell phone will die quickly, and your television will be dead as well. Keep a battery-powered radio on hand.

It seems old-fashioned, but it's much more comforting when you know when the power is expected to come back on. Remember that most news like this is on the AM stations.

Check On Your Neighbors

Remember you're not the only one without power. Put on your snow boots and go see how your neighbors are fairing in the winter storm. Even if they're the kind of neighbors with an obnoxious barking dog, it's worth checking in on them. You might bring an extra blanket or two as well.

Stock Up

When it comes to winter storms, it's better to be over prepared, than not prepared enough. Keep some extra water and canned foods stored in the house. Keep extra flashlights, candles, matches, a camping stove, and maybe some extra gasoline for the car, or generator.

Like a boy scout always be prepared. Most storms won't be a matter of life and death, but your preparedness will make the storm much more comfortable.

Winter storms can be a pain in the neck, but a little preparation goes a long way. When the power goes out, it's nice to know that you have everything you need to get by.

Just remember to stock up on supplies, keep your water running, stay up to date, and check on your neighbors.

For more information about the Atlanta area real estate market, please email me at ed@edshort.com or call me at 404.918.2500.

~ Ed Short, Atlanta REALTOR®

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4 Safety Tips To Prepare Your Home For the Cold Weather

As the temperature drops and we don more layers, it can be startling to realize how cold it's actually gotten.

So before the snow starts piling up at your door, you'll want to get yourself prepared for winter and the harsh conditions it can bring.

Below are a few cold weather safety tips to keep you and your home secure from Frosty's frigid touch.

Keep The Cold Out

If you haven't already winterized your home, then now is a good time to do it. Add extra insulation in your attic and walls, if possible. Caulk around windows and doorframes to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.

Prepare An Emergency Kit

In case your power goes out, you want to be sure you're prepared to brave the cold weather for a few days. You'll want a backup heat source, such as a generator or wood-burning fireplace.

You'll also need at least a three-day supply of water, non-perishable food items, flashlights with extra batteries, battery-powered cell phone chargers and a medical kit that includes prescriptions.

Be Cautious When Warming Your Home

Make sure you've replaced the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. While turning on your heater will probably be fine, you should take extra precautions since it probably hasn't been fired up for months.

Also, be extremely careful with space heaters. Make sure they're away from anything flammable, and always turn them off before you go to sleep.

Care For Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are costly to fix. Your pipes can freeze and cause water damage when they thaw. And, not being able to access clean water can be major inconvenience.

To prevent frozen water, keep your home at a constant temperature day and night. If the power goes out, turn your faucets on to get a small trickle and open up all the cabinets to circulate warm air around the pipes.

Don't let a snow or ice storm catch you unprepared! From survival storage to heating your home, the better you equip your house now to handle the cold weather, the less you'll have to worry about when the power goes out.

Utilize the safety tips above to get your family and your home ready for whatever winter might blow at it. For more around the home tips or how to stay warm in a new home this winter, contact me, your trusted real estate professional, today!

For more information about the Atlanta area real estate market, please email me at ed@edshort.com or call me at 404.918.2500.

~ Ed Short, Atlanta REALTOR®

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Ensure Your Fireplace Is Up To Snuff

When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing quite as cozy as curling up on the sofa with a good book in front of a roaring fire. A fireplace evokes the idea of a warm and pleasant atmosphere.

However, if it isn’t properly maintained, your living room could be filled with a cloud of soot, or worse, fire. A fireplace not only creates a snug setting, but most are actually functional and can help heat your home.

Harness their heat and generate the ambiance of a softly lit living space by following the tips below to ensure yours is properly maintained and working efficiently before the first cold spell hits.

Clean It Regularly

Have your chimney cleaned out once a year. The recommended number varies depending on how often you use your hearth. However, you should have it cleaned every fall to ensure it’s properly vented so that smoke has a way to escape.

Also, you’ll want to make sure that no animals have made their home there over the summer.

Close The Damper

Make sure you close the damper when you’re not using the fireplace. You don’t want to make your furnace work overtime because warm air is sneaking up and out the chimney.

Install A Chimney Cap

If your home doesn’t have a chimney cap, then have one installed. These help to prevent snow, leaves, animals and other debris from falling down the chimney. Caps also help keep downdrafts from gusting into your living area.

Burn Firewood Only

Painted wood, plastic and other treated wood surfaces can release chemicals into the air of your home. Worse, they can coat the interior walls of your fireplace, so you continue breathe them in for the next couple of fires. 

Mount Smoke Alarms

If you don’t already have them, mount smoke alarms near your hearth and in every bedroom. Consider installing combined carbon monoxide and smoke detectors if you have a home with a gas-burning fireplace.

Don’t use your fireplace without taking the right precautions. Get it cleaned, and if it’s your first use, then be sure to get it inspected beforehand. Make the hearth in your home the heart of your home by following the tips above to ensure it’s up to snuff this winter.

For more information about the Atlanta area real estate market, please email me at ed@edshort.com or call me at 404.918.2500.

~ Ed Short, Atlanta REALTOR®

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