Embracing the winter wonderland that is sometimes Indiana often comes with its fair share of challenges, especially if we encounter a deep freeze. As temperatures plummet and frosty gusts threaten to invade every nook and cranny, safeguarding your home becomes paramount. To ensure your haven remains warm, secure, and protected during the coldest months, here’s a comprehensive guide to safeguarding your sanctuary from the icy grasp of a deep freeze.

Indoors:

• Keep house heated to at least 65 degrees or higher
• Keep fireplace flue closed, if not using
• Keep garage doors closed as much as possible
• Seal gaps on windows and doors to prevent heat loss
• Run ceiling fans in reverse to help bring down warm air near the ceiling

To protect pipes from bursting:

• Open cabinets (especially those next to outside walls) so pipes get more heat from house
• Open faucets near outside walls and let them drip slowly, especially overnight
• Make sure you know where your house’s main water shutoff is

Outside:

• Check for ice dams near gutter downspouts as weather warms again
• Drain water hoses and store them in a garage or shed
• Drain irrigation water supply lines
• Cover outdoor spigots with an insulated faucet cover