Prepping for Freezing Weather

It is important to protect your water system during freezing conditions,but sometimes important simple things are overlooked.

Do not run a generator within 10 feet of any opening (windows,doors,etc.) in the exterior of the building to prevent possible entry of exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).

If you have sufficient warning of an impending freeze event,fill your bathtub with fresh water.

Fill your washing machine with water also.Fill all available containers with water.

Turn off the breaker to your hot water heater.

If the tank is energized when not full of water,the elements will fail.

Drain the water heater when the water gets cold.

Open all of the faucets in the house, and an outside faucet,and let the water completely drain.

Leave the faucet open if you have a domestic well and have lost power.

This will allow most of the water to drain from the system.

Do not leave the water running if you are on a public water supply.

Flush the toilet only for solids to conserve water.Use the bathtub water to flush if necessary.A 5 gallon bucket full will suffice for most toilets.Simply pour it in,it will flush and not overflow.Some people do not know this simple fact.Low flush toilets require even less water to flush.

Drink bottled or boiled water only.

Do not use gas or charcoal grills inside of any enclosed space due to risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.It is odorless,and very hard to detect.

First signs of CO poisoning are a headache,red face,drowsiness.

Get to fresh air immediately and call for medical assistance if anyone is unconscious.

When power returns, open all faucets,hot and cold,and allow all air to be purged from the system.

Run for 5 minutes after the last air surge is heard.

Sometimes air is trapped and hard to remove,so don't be surprised if you hear air escape long after you have purged the lines.

Make sure all air is purged before turning on the breaker for the water heater.

Check that water heater is set to 130 degrees minimum to prevent bacteria from multiplying in the heater,especially Legionella,which is very dangerous.

Flush the toilet to purge air from the system.This is sometimes forgotten,and a very loud burst of air will be heard when full pressure returns,which is usually not harmful,but it can surprise you if you are not expecting it.

Stay current on all public advisories and follow their instructions.

Tell jokes and and stories,and try to stay upbeat and positive.

This too will pass.

Been there,done that,many times.

Rednecks will survive.