As dangerously cold temperatures are expected in Metro Detroit, homeowners should be aware of the ways to protect their homes from the cold weather.
A cold weather advisory has been issued for Metro Detroit from 1 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, through 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, for wind chills that could be as low as 25 degrees below zero.
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Even without the wind chills, the temperatures on Saturday morning could be the coldest temperatures that the region has experienced in seven years.
Read: Cold Weather Advisory issued for Metro Detroit beginning Friday -- What to know
A cold weather advisory has also been issued for other areas of the state, and some areas are also under winter weather advisories due to the chance for accumulating snow.
As the cold looms, here are a few tips from AAA on how to prepare your home for winter weather:
Tips to prevent frozen or burst pipes
- Let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
- Keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when away from home.
- Know where your main water shutoff valve is located in case a pipe bursts.
More tips for winterizing your home
- Repair or replace weather stripping around windows and doors, vents and fans, plumbing, air conditioners and electrical and gas lines.
- Use caulk or insulation to seal all cracks, holes and other openings on exterior walls.
- Close foundation vents and windows to basements. Wrap vulnerable pipes with pipe insulation.
- Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will help protect pipes.
- Remove hoses from exterior faucets.
- Close your wood-burning fireplace flue damper when you’re not using it. Follow all manufacturer instructions for gas fireplaces, including those with pilot lights, which may require the flue to be partially open at all times.