The change in seasons can bring new environmental and maintenance issues for homeowners. Prevention is the best method to combat unwanted pests and dangers during the winter months.
Winterize Your Home
Burst pipes are a messy and expensive problem. There are ways to lower your likelihood of broken pipes and damage to your home.
- Turn off your irrigation system and drain it, and disconnect outdoor hoses so water can drain from the pipe.
- Insulate pipes and faucets that are in unheated areas.
- Close foundation or exterior vents around the house to help keep cold air out of crawl spaces.
- If you plan to be out of town for a few days, set your thermostat to a minimum of 55 degrees and open cupboard doors under sinks open to keep indoor plumbing from freezing.
- Learn more at https://tmwa.com/article/how-to-winterize-your-home/.
Be flood-aware
Leaves and yard debris can block drainage areas during storms, making flooding a serious risk. Be sure to clean up your yards and check drains and ditches for potential blockages ahead of storms.
- If you see a blocked storm drain or ditch in unincorporated Washoe County, contact the Roads department by calling 775-328-2180, and learn more about flood prevention here: www.washoecounty.gov/csd/engineering_capitalprojects/drainage_and_flooding/index.php
- If your home is prone to flooding, know where the closest sandbag location is. View all sandbag locations here: https://gis.washoecounty.us/wrms/sandbag
- Assemble a go-bag in case you need to evacuate. Learn how here: https://www.washoecounty.gov/em/preparedness/AssembleKit.php.
Prevent Pests
Northern Nevada experienced a mild summer and fall, which reduced rodent mortality, and increased the availability of food, water and shelter for rodents, leading to a surge in the local rat population. Make your home less attractive to pests with these tips:
- Remove or clean up fallen fruit from fruit trees promptly.
- Avoid putting out food that might attract rodents (for example: bird feeders, squirrel feeders, pet food left outdoors overnight) as leftover seed or nuts can attract rats.
- Ensure outdoor garbage/trash containers are tightly closed; remove spilled seed, fallen nuts, or fruit.
- Clear away dense groundcover, thick ivy, wood or mulch piles, and other sheltered hiding places or travel corridors for rodents.
- Inspect structural foundation, exterior walls, roof eaves, vents, crawlspaces, and pipes for gaps. Rats can enter through relatively small openings.
- Use durable materials (metal flashing, hardware cloth, steel wool + caulk) to block entry points.
Stay warm
Washoe County does not implement warming centers in the case of extreme cold, but it does provide a place to get out of the cold at the Nevada Cares Campus. County buildings such as libraries, senior centers, and the County Complex are open to the public during normal business hours.
- Those experiencing homelessness can utilize the emergency shelter at the Nevada Cares Campus where extra beds are set up during the winter months. Hot meals, water, and basic hygiene necessities are provided as well.
- Anyone can come to the Resource Center at the Cares Campus to take advantage of health services, employment support, food and water. During inclement weather, the Resource Center is available 24/7.
- During major power outages, Washoe County Emergency Management works with area partners to provide shelters and food until the power is restored.
- Senior citizens (55+) can spend weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the county’s Senior Centers. Learn about all services available to seniors here: https://www.washoecounty.gov/seniorsrv/index.php.
Washoe311 is available to answer questions about Washoe County resources and services. Just dial 3-1-1 or email washoe311@washoecounty.gov.
###
