ATLANTA — The temperatures are expected to drop fast over the next few days, which is why home experts say you need to prep now to protect your home.
While there are several ways to protect your home from freezing temperatures, particular attention should be paid to your pipes.
On Monday, just a few hours into the winter storm warning impacting several Georgia counties, plumber Rashad Patterson was already busy repairing a homeowner's pipe that burst overnight.
With the lowest temperatures expected to hit over the next couple of days, Patterson says he's prepared for an influx of calls.
“I’ve got coffee in my system, and I’m sitting by both my phones, and I’m ready," he added.
Patterson said the best way to prevent freezing pipes is to shut off the main water valve of your home.
“Make sure everyone showers first. Based on how big your family is, I’d get me some five-gallon buckets and fill them up with water. This would be my water to wash my hands and if I need to use the restroom. After you've done this, shut your water completely off," he said.
Patterson noted that if you need to keep your water on, make sure all faucets in your home are running at a trickle, wrap exposed pipes with insulation, and open cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate your pipes.
The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association offers these additional tips to prepare your home for the changing weather ahead.
- Clear rain gutters so they don’t fill with water that could freeze and cause damage to the roof due to the added weight.
- Trim tree branches that could potentially fall on your home during a storm. Hiring a professional is strongly advised, especially if any branches are near power lines.
- Have your heating equipment and chimney cleaned and inspected every year.
- Make sure all your fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside and the vent openings are clear of debris and snow.
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning device inside your home, garage, basement, crawl space, or any partially enclosed area.
- Space heaters should only be placed on a level surface and away from heavy foot traffic.
The National Weather Service is also reminding people to never leave their dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. Keep pets indoors if possible, especially if they are sensitive to the cold weather due to age, illness, or breed type.
