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As the weekend approaches, the weather forecast for Greater St. Louis is predicting extreme cold, with possible snow, sleet, or ice. For first-time homebuyers, retirees, and empty nesters, this can be a new challenge. Keeping your new home safe and warm is essential, and the City of St. Louis has provided guidance on how to handle this frigid weather.
The Problem: Preparing Your Home for Cold Weather
When chilly weather hits, the cold can be more than just uncomfortable. If not properly addressed, the low temperatures can cause major problems in the home. For newcomers to homeownership and those downsizing to simpler living, making sure the house stays safe and toasty is crucial.
Common Winter Concerns:
– Frozen or burst pipes
– Power outages and heating problems
– Slippery roads and limited accessibility
– Cold drafts and improper insulation
As the City of St. Louis is urging residents to gear up for the cold, focusing on home preparations is the first step to avoiding any unwanted surprises this winter.
The Agitation: Real-Life Impacts of Winter Weather
Everyone understands that winter storms can be tough, but the real impact can be more significant if not properly planned for.
– Burst Pipes: When water freezes in the pipes, it expands. This can cause pipes to break, leading to potential flooding and costly repairs. For those new to homeownership, an unexpected repair like this can strain your budget.
– Limited Travel: Slippery roads can be dangerous, especially for those who aren’t used to driving in ice or fresh snow. For homebuyers and retirees alike, this can mean being stuck at home, missing work or social activities.
– Heating Problems: A power outage in the winter is more than just an inconvenience. It means no heating, which is crucial for keeping you and your loved ones warm.
The Solution: Steps to Ensure Winter Safety
Thankfully, there are plenty of actionable steps first-time homebuyers, retirees, and investors can take to protect their homes and families during a St. Louis winter storm.
1. Protect Your Pipes
– Letting faucets drip can prevent water from freezing inside.
– Opening sink cabinets allows warm air to circulate around plumbing.
– Disconnect outdoor hoses and insulate outdoor spigots.
– Know where your water shut-off valve is, just in case of emergency.
2. Keep Warm Inside
– Make sure your heating system is serviced and working properly now.
– Use insulation on windows and doors to stop cold drafts.
– Consider space heaters or electric blankets to add extra warmth in important areas.
– Stock up on warm clothes and blankets.
3. Prepare for Power Outages
– Keep flashlights and extra batteries on hand.
– Charge devices ahead of time and limit usage to conserve power.
– Have extra non-perishable foods and water stored.
4. Safe Travel Practices
– Avoid driving if you can. If you must go out, keep a winter driving kit in your car with essentials like a blanket, food, water, and a phone charger.
– Let someone know where you’re going and your expected arrival time.
– Use local apps and hotlines for updates on road conditions.
City Preparations and Community Support
The City of St. Louis is taking action by salting roads and preparing additional shelters for emergencies. Homeowners should coordinate with community efforts to stay informed and prepared.
– City crews are pre-treating snow routes and have protocols to clear roads efficiently.
– Community centers may offer shelters and warmth for those in need.
St. Louis: A Closer Community in Cold Times
Living in Greater St. Louis means enjoying a strong sense of community, even during extreme winter weather. Neighbors help each other, check-in, and support those who might need extra warmth or supplies. By supporting one another, first-time buyers and retirees can navigate these weather challenges with greater ease.
For Real Estate Investors
For investors looking for new properties, understanding winter risks is just as important. Properties with poor winterization can lose value if the heating systems or plumbing is damaged. Ensuring proper winter preparations can keep properties safe and maintain their worth.
Conclusion
Facing winter’s chill for the first time in your new St. Louis home can be daunting, but with the right preparations, you can ensure warmth and security. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, downsizing, or investing, following these steps will help you secure your home and navigate the icy weather safely. Enjoy the winter season, confident in your cozy and well-prepared St. Louis home.
Tracey De Simon
desimonrealtor@gmail.com
www.traceydesimon.com
⭐️ 20+ years of real estate experience
💪 Profit From My Expertise!
📞 CALL ME – 314-603-8628
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