Stay Warm and Safe! Let's try again next week.

Hello, Friends.

Brrrrr! It's cold outside. This weather is a little shocking after such a nice beginning to winter. The Farmer's Almanac predictions are proving to be accurate. Be sure to dress warm and wear your gloves and scarves and hats to protect you skin from frostbite. You can also prevent problems in you home and with your cars.

Cold weather and your home:

• The water in your pipes in your home can freeze and burst. 
• Keep the heat on in your home: set your thermostat at at least 60 degrees and leave it there, even if you leave for an extended time.
• Turn on the faucets to run a small stream of water. This is necessary on faucets that are against an external wall. This keeps the water moving so it will not freeze.
• Open the cabinets under your sinks in kitchens and bathrooms so warm air can get to the pipes.
• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Remember to close your fireplace flue when you don't have a fire.
• Small animals like mice will come in where it is warm. Watch for evidence of "new tenants". Larger animals, like squirrels can be caught and released. It's best to use a professional company for this. They will catch the animals and repair the damage. Mice can be caught the usual way using traps.

Cold weather and your car:

• According to mechanics, you do not need to warm your car engine up before driving in very cold weather. This was something you needed to do in the past, but it isn't necessary with the newer models.
• If you choose to warm your car up (for comfort), do not leave it running in your driveway unattended. This is an opportunity for someone to steal your car.
• Your tire sensors may go off or may "leak" because the cold air "shrinks" the volume of air in your tires. Use a gauge to check your tire pressure and inflate them as needed. As the weather warms back up, you may need to let out the excess air. When you have your car serviced for oil changes or to have your tires rotated, the technicians will take care of this for you (which is usually every month).

Stay safe and warm!
See you next week!
Carolyn