Here are some tips to keep you and your home safe during any cold stretch:
To prevent pipes from freezing:
- Add insulation around any exposed pipes, especially near drafty or particularly cold locations in the basement
- Keep the garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage
- Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors, wherever plumbing is run, to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes. This is especially important if your plumbing is run along an exterior wall, which is common for kitchen sinks
- Leave your thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night
- If you are away or plan to be doing away during a cold snap, leave the heat on in your home and set to a temperature no lower than 55°F. If you have multiple heat sources (like electric baseboard as a backup), it consider setting your backup source at a lower temperature just in case the primary heat source malfunctions
- Run your kitchen sink to a slow drip. This keeps water flowing in the pipes, ever so slightly, and can slow down freeze ups
If your pipes do freeze, you can safely thaw them by:
- Turning on the faucet. This sometimes works since running water through the pipe can help melt any ice in the pipe
- Applying heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater. Be sure to monitor a space heater and keep away from any flammable materials! Do not use a blowtorch, a kerosene or propane heater, a charcoal stove, or any device with an open flame because high heat can damage the pipes or cause a fire hazard
Additional Home Safety Tips:
- Prepare for a power outage. If you have a portable generator, always operate it outdoors in well-ventilated areas, away from any vents or windows that might be open
- Stock up on necessary supplies, fuel, and food
- Ensure you have working smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors. In the event of a fire have an escape plan. When leaving the home in the case of the fire, shut the door behind you if you are able to do so
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment. Shut off any portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed
- Never use your oven to heat your home, though it might be a great time to bake your favorite treats
- Follow manufacturer recommendations for all heating equipment and use the correct fuel
In Maine, there are often warming shelters during extreme cold snaps. Dial 2-1-1 or contact your local fire department for more information. Stay warm!
