Must Read Advice: Arctic Weather

Here in Illinois we are expecting a -54 F/-47 C windchill. If you are not from an area that is experiencing this arctic cold, don't be laughing at us for living here. We are here because we are made of strong stock. Actually, we were probably born here...and moving is such a chore...and for me, who wouldn't want to live in a state like Illinois that is so well run? Okay, even I couldn't say that last one seriously.

So yeah, it is going to be pretty darn cold. I have decided if my old dog doesn't want to go outside, I will deal with the clean up. Probably not enough time to pad train her. If you come visit me, bring hot chocolate and watch where you step.



If you are in the part of the world that is gearing up for record lows, here is some advice that I received this morning. Some I had heard of before. Some is new to me.

"Monday night through Thursday we will experience temperatures and wind chills that homes in our area heating systems have never experienced Heating systems are NOT designed for -20 to -30-degree temperatures with wind chills into -40 and up to -50+.

Homes will struggle to maintain temperature & the temperature WILL drop inside your home while the heating system is working at full capacity.

You need to take a few steps before the deep-freeze starts and also be diligent to protect your home over the next few days.

Please raise the temperature in your home on Monday night, 2 to 4 degrees above your normal setting. Get the core of your house warmer because it's going to drop no matter what over the next couple days.

Take all programmable thermostats out of setback mode and set on a permanent HOLD of 72-74 degrees until Friday.

If you have a furnace; replace the filter. MAKE SURE your filter is CLEAN or new.

Keep garage doors closed.

Limit opening exterior doors.

Make sure air vents and radiators are not blocked or obstructed by furniture or curtains.

If you have a 90%+ furnace, You must keep the exterior intake and exhaust clear of ice and snow. During these cold temperatures, ice can build up. A 90%+ furnace and/or boiler will have 2 white PVC pipes; an exhaust pipe and an intake pipe that are generally on the side or back of your home.


Avoid frozen pipes
The faucet furthest away from your water meter, leave on a slow trickle to avoid pressure building up within the pipes.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air near water pipes.
WHIRLPOOL bathtubs. If you have a whirlpool tub with a tile deck built around it, locate the access panel and leave it open for the next few days. This will allow warm air to circulate under your tub and around the water pipes
Locate your main water shut off valve in your basement. If you do experience a burst water pipe, it will be extremely important to be able to turn the water off quickly."



Stay safe, warm, and cozy. If you are from a warm area, for once I may be jealous. Although, you won't have the opportunity to blow frozen bubbles like I will. I bought bubble soap last summer just so I can try this. Okay, now I am really excited thinking about it. Bring on the cold. I am ready!