Winter is setting in and the Farmer’s Almanac 2023 says , “for much of the Midwest and along the East Coast is best described as “Shivery & Snowy.” The eastern half of the U.S. should brace for potentially record-breaking cold to define the season. This frigid forecast extends to the Deep South and Texas, which could see the mercury diving as much as 8°F below normal! Specifically: Winter temperatures will be colder than normal across much of the country between the East Coast and Rockies.” The Almanac touts an 80% accuracy rate so you may be seeing “above-average snow totals to most areas in the eastern U.S. that typically experience snowfall.”
With rising utility prices and folks trying to heat their homes with alternative sources, we want to remind you that December, January and February are the most common months for housefires. Heating is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries and costs $1.1 billion in direct property damage annually. Before you DIY, consider the dangers that FamilyHandyman.com, Foxweather.com and the National Fire Protection Association outline, demonstrating that some DIY “heat methods” are fire hazards and risky for your health.
Play it safe, try these things to improve the overall warmth in your home:
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Add weatherstripping to doors and windows.
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Invest in some thicker window coverings.
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Check for inconspicuous drafts in windows.
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Buy a safe space heater.
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Keep anything that can burn at least 3ft from heating equip.
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Open blinds and curtains in the morning to let sunlight in.
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Cook and bake more often to heat up your kitchen.
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Don’t leave doors open too long when heading outside.
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Have your air ducts cleaned.
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Add more insulation.
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If you have a fireplace, keep a fire lit throughout the day
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Firefighting materials like extinguishers, a heavy blanket, sand, salt, baking soda or water should be on-hand in case of an emergency.
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Have chimneys and furnaces cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
https://www.almanac.com/winter-extended-forecast-farmers-almanac
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/terracotta-heater/
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Heating
https://www.foxweather.com/learn/dont-diy-7-dangers-of-home-heating-that-could-be-deadly