Do These 3 Things Before The Arctic Cold Arrives In Minnesota

This weekend, Minnesotans will be feeling like they are living above the Arctic Circle with predicted lows Saturday night to level off between -15 and -20. Given the cold weather, no homeowner wants to deal with home emergencies that require going out to get tools or materials in the cold. Or worse, having to call someone in, on a premium to fix the issue. Here are three things every Minnesota homeowner should check before Saturday afternoon.

Make Sure Your Outdoor Water Faucet Is Turned Off

If you have an outdoor water faucet and haven't shut off the water supply to it, now is the time. Any water left in the pipe that hasn't frozen will, and if there is too much water left in the pipe, you could see your pipe break, or worse, explode from the extreme cold.

Locate the shut-off valve to the outdoor faucet, generally found near where the spigot goes outside, and make sure you've turned it off for the year. There is still time to put an insulated styrofoam cover on it, as an extra way to insulate the outdoor portion from the direct cold. This quick 5-minute task could save you hundreds of dollars in repair bills if you were to forget.

Check Your Roof For Potential Ice Dams Forming

With all the snow we just got, some places in Central Minnesota saw more than 7 inches. Friday and early Saturday are good times to check your roof for heavy snow load, and where potential ice dams could form.

You are going to be looking for places where the snow has accumulated near the edge of the roof, and clear the first 1-3 feet off. Having that cleared will allow the water to run off, rather than get caught in the snow and freeze and refreeze, which could cause a leak.

This is something you can do from the ground if you've got a roof rake.

Clear The Area of Snow & Ice Around Your Furnace Intake and Exhaust

With the temperatures being so cold, you are going to be running your furnace, so make sure that the exhaust and intake pipes for your home are clear from snow and ice. Carbon Monoxide is deadly. You should also check that the furnace filter and make sure it's clean, as your home needs to stay warm. Making sure the furnace is getting as much air as it needs will make it run as efficiently as possible.

If Your Heat Goes Out, Don't Use A Grill, Oven, Or Indoor Fire To Heat Your Home

If you have an issue with your heat, don't attempt to heat your home using a grill, burning material, or the oven. Each one of these ways creates risks that can put your life in danger.

READ MORE FROM PAUL SHEA

• Residents Upset Over Slow Alleyway Clean Up In St. Cloud
• Your Favorite Italian Pasta Could Be Unavailable In 2026
• Minnesota's USPS Ranks 4-Worst In Nation