MERIDIAN, Miss. — With cooler weather arriving across the Magnolia State, emergency officials and home experts are urging residents to prepare their homes and vehicles before freezing temperatures hit.
Taking a few simple steps now can prevent costly property damage and ensure family safety throughout the fall and winter months.
Experts recommend focusing on several critical areas around the home and on the road.
Home and Heating Safety
• Inspect heating systems. Homeowners should test their furnaces or heat pumps now. Run the system for 15 minutes on a mild day to ensure it functions properly. Schedule an annual inspection with a licensed technician to catch potential hazards early.
• Check detectors. Testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is critical as heating systems turn on. Change the batteries in every device. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, and risk increases when furnaces, fireplaces or space heaters are in use.
• Clear the gutters. Falling leaves quickly clog gutters and downspouts. Clear them out to ensure water drains properly. Clogged water can freeze, causing heavy ice buildup that damages roofs and siding.
• Seal the drafts. Check doors and windows for gaps. Applying fresh caulk or weatherstripping keeps warm air inside and reduces monthly energy bills.
Vehicle Readiness
• Test the battery. Cold weather forces a car battery to work harder. Drivers should have a mechanic test the battery’s charge, especially if it is more than 3 years old.
• Monitor tire pressure. For every 10-degree drop in outdoor temperature, tires can lose about 1 pound of pressure per square inch. Check the tread depth and inflation levels to maintain traction on slick roads.
• Upgrade wiper fluid. Switch to a winter-grade windshield washer fluid that will not freeze on the glass. Replace worn or streaking wiper blades.
• Pack an emergency kit. Drivers should keep a small emergency bag in the trunk. Essential items include an ice scraper, a flashlight, jumper cables, bottled water and a warm blanket.
Local officials remind residents that early preparation is the best way to avoid emergency service delays when the first major cold snap arrives.