How to prepare for cold weather

MEMPHIS, Tennessee — When you look at your thermostat, you might think we’re a little too close to freezing to be comfortable.

The average low for October in Memphis is 51 degrees, but folks at Home Depot prepared Monday before evening temperatures dip below freezing.

Ondine Triche, who lives in Midtown, says she snagged the last few space heaters off the shelves!

“I live in a beautiful apartment complex that overlooks Central Avenue, but the heat isn’t on yet and I don’t want to be cold and I don’t want my little dog to be cold, so I bought fan heaters,” Triche said.

There are a few things to consider when thinking about turning on your heating for the first time this season.

MLGW reminds people who will be using a space heater for the first time this season to vacuum over the grill to remove dust and dirt and ensure they stay away from furniture, curtains and other objects to avoid fire hazards .

If you’re going to be outside for the next few days, you should wrap up. Even if you’re indoors, keep those warm clothes nearby because MLGW recommends keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees to avoid high energy bills.

You can also look for a more permanent solution so you don’t have to worry for the rest of the season.

“I put foam insulation boards in place to seal out outside air and caulked around windows and doors,” said Richard Robinson.

MLGW shared some tips on how to weatherproof your home, including:

• Seal drafts behind light switches and outlet panels with foam gaskets (Turn off power before installation)
• Wrap R-7 insulation around heating ducts in attics and other unheated spaces.
• Remove air conditioners with window units and seal cracks with tape to prevent drafts.
• Install a sill and weatherstrip on exterior doors if you can see light around a closed door
• Install storm windows or 6 mil polyethylene plastic over the windows to keep out the cold.

You can call MLGW to send a representative to your home for a heating system safety audit. If you would like to make an appointment, call 820-7878. You can find more tips from MLGW here.