As the calendar just made its flip to January, Arkansans should be prepared for cold temperatures that will inevitably show their face in the coming weeks & months. You can safeguard your home by taking the proper precautions both outside and inside your home.

CLEAN THE GUTTERS
By removing debris, such as leaves, limbs and nuts, you can allow rain and melting snow to more easily drain and prevent the formation of ice, which can damage your cutters.

PREPARE YOUR PIPES
Be sure all of your hoses normally connected to exterior water valves are disconnected and drained for the winter. Take time to wrap any exposed or un-insulated pipes with fiberglass insulation or rubber sleeves.

TRIM YOUR LIMBS
A heavy snow or ice storm can quickly over take weak limbs and branches and bring them crashing through your roof, windows or sidewalk.

TAKE OUT THE DRAFT
Examine your windows and door frames for drafty locations in your home. An investment in door sweeps and towels and blanks to prevent these drafts will quickly pay for themselves with the savings you’ll see in your energy bill.