ATLANTA — A cold front is bringing chillier conditions our way, with a Freeze Warning in effect from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Here are some tips on staying prepared through cold temperatures.
Check on people
Reach out to people in your neighborhood and community. Make sure those who struggle with cold conditions have a place to stay warm. DeKalb County has opened up warming centers ahead of the low temps.
When heading outside in cold weather, layer in sweaters, large coats, and gloves, and keep your head warm. Wind can make it feel even colder, and frostbite and hypothermia may occur if the skin is exposed.
Protect pipes
When water freezes, it expands, adding pressure on whatever contains it, including metal or plastic pipes. According to the Red Cross, pipes that often freeze are:
- Pipes exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines and water sprinkler lines.
- Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets.
- Pipes that run against exterior walls have little or no insulation.
- Get a water sensor alarm.
To avoid this, drip water from faucets in the home and leave cabinets open to allow the heat from your home to keep the pipes warm. The Red Cross also recommends draining the water from the swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines.
Bring in pets and plants
Remember to bring any outdoor pets inside from the cold weather. If pets must stay outside, ensure they have a heated area to shelter along with water that won't freeze.
If there are any plants outside, bring those in or cover them.
For more on how to protect your plants, click here.
To save money on heat
John Kraft of Georgia Power explained that keeping the thermostat at 68 degrees during the winter is the best way to save, though added, "It’s really going to be your personal comfort and what you can stand based on what it does to your bill.”
Ensure your heating system runs as efficiently as possible, and ensure your vents are not blocked. Move furniture and rugs away from the openings where air flows.
“If you have a sofa right up against your register, that can block the airflow and make the unit struggle and work harder,” Kraft said. “That will take longer to heat your home, and that means more energy used.”
The same goes for your outside unit. Clear bushes and shrubbery away to maximize airflow.
Make sure you clean and replace old filters that are a part of your heating unit.
Georgia Power’s website has numerous tips on how to save on an energy bill.
Have trouble paying for heat?
The first thing you should do is contact your electric company, as many of them have programs to help customers with payments.
For example, Georgia Power has Project SHARE, which partners with organizations to match donations from customers to families in need.
Federal Data suggests electronic costs will rise again this winter, and estimates show the average household could pay about $34 more per month than they did five years ago.
Organizations such as Midtown Assistance Center are also prepared to help.
If conditions drop below freezing for at least 24 hours, there are some restrictions when it comes to shutting off your utilities altogether. However, those rules don't apply to most situations.