Wintertime Tips

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

This is the kind of winter we like as Floridians, but we do get a few weeks a year where it is too cold to go to the beach!

Winter is Here!

Wintertime is upon us! Even though we only really have a few weeks of winter weather here in North Florida; there are still a few things you should do around your home to make sure you are ready for the cold weather when it comes!

Fireplace Preparation

Even though our winters are not normally harsh, we do have those few weeks that make having a fireplace in your home great! If your home is equipped with one there are a couple things to do to make sure you are ready to fire it up safely.

You should have you fireplace chimney cleaned by a professional chimney sweep. If you're unable to find one they sell chimney sweeping logs at most hardware stores that can get you by in the mean time.

Make sure that your chimney is drawing smoke up and out properly. Do this before you have a large fire going, so if it is not working properly your whole home does not fill up with smoke!

Avoid Burst Pipes

When the temperature dips below freezing burst water pipes become a concern. There are steps you can take that will help alleviate those concerns.

Wrap outside pipes with foam insulation and disconnect garden hoses from outside faucets. If you have a private well on your property be sure to cover it and put a a small heat lamp under the cover.

Indoors you can leave a water faucet trickling to keep water moving through the pipes. If you are going to be out of town it is a good idea to shut off the water supply and drain all the water from the system.

Pets and Plants

You should always bring pets indoors when the temperature dips to freezing! Their bodies do not like the cold weather anymore than we do! Cover or bring in all plants that you want to survive the cold!

These few things should get you ready for the Florida winter! As always should you need us because of a water or fire damage SERVPRO of Putnam County will be there for you!