Preparing for the Cold Weather in North Texas
Temperatures on Sunday will plummet 20 degrees into the 50s-60s in North Texas after a cold front moving through sets the stage for a freeze watch.
As Dallas-Fort Worth awaits its coldest temperatures of fall so far, folks should prepare their homes and yards for what may come.
Dallas’ Office of Emergency Management suggests these eight tips to prepare your home for the season.
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D-FW Weather Wise
Check Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers
Smoke alarms should be tested once a month, and batteries should be replaced at least once a year, according to the American Red Cross. The U.S. Fire Administration suggests replacing smoke alarms 10 years after the date of manufacture. Homeowners in Dallas in need of a smoke alarm can call 311 or submit a form on the city’s website.
Having a fire extinguisher is important in an emergency involving a fireplace or oven.
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Clean Your Chimney and Fireplace
Taking care of your chimney and fireplace will help prevent any fire-related emergencies. Doing it now also means that you’ll be set when temperatures really drop and you’re ready to light some logs and curl up next to the fire.
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Check Windows and Doors
Inspect your doors and windows for leaks to make sure they’re sealed properly. Inspect your HVAC system and consider cleaning filters or replacing them if enough debris has built up.
Inspect Your Roof
It’s recommended that you check your roof for any debris and look for any signs of damage, paying extra attention to the shingles.
Wrap Indoor Pipes
Wrapping your pipes will prevent them from freezing when the cold hits. This is especially important for pipes in unheated areas of your home. Because North Texas winters aren’t typically too brutal, cheap foam pipe insulation should suffice, according to HouseLogic.com.
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Inspect Your Home’s Heating System
Make sure your home’s heating system is properly functioning before temperatures dip. If you see some issues, consult an HVAC expert.
Check for odd smells, but know that a burning smell might be normal — it can be caused by dust collected in your home’s air ducts. That isn’t always the case, though, so you should make sure the smell isn’t coming from something else.
Finish Seasonal Yard Maintenance
In the fall, you should overseed new lawn or spots in your lawn that aren’t looking good, according to Better Homes & Gardens. It’s also important to use fall grass fertilizer for your lawn, and rake leaves. Here are some tips on how to protect your plants, plus a list of which plants are most vulnerable.
Stock Up on Supplies
Now is the time to prepare for a weather emergency. Essential supplies include flashlights, nonperishable food, a first-aid kit and water.
Take an inventory of what you have, what you don’t and what’s running low. The Dallas OEM also suggests securing useful supplies such as warm clothes, a radio, charger, sleeping bags and tools. Personal items to secure include prescriptions, personal documents, toiletries and pet items.
