FAIRMONT – With fall in full swing and winter approaching, now is the time to ensure protection against weather elements that could damage the home or put people in danger.

Fairmont’s Public Works and Utilities Director Matthew York said areas outside the home are most vulnerable to damage because they’re directly exposed to the elements.

“Your outdoor sillcocks for hoses are the main thing that could freeze up or cause problems in your near future. One of the things that you need to do is disconnect all your hoses from the outdoor hose bibs and make sure they are turned off all the way.”

Outdoor vents, such as those for dryers or heating systems, can also be hazardous when obstructed by snow or other debris. York said when an obstruction occurs, fumes and gasses meant to escape the home cannot do so.

“If those vents are sealed, clogged, or have snow around them that’s not allowing that to penetrate to the outside atmosphere, it’s going to end up backing up into your house,” he said. “You could have carbon monoxide issues or other things that could make you sick.”

On the inside, plumbing plays a major part in many cold-weather home issues. York said as long as your home is 58 degrees or warmer, your pipes should be protected from freezing.

“If you have a kitchen with faucets on an outer wall and you’re having problems keeping that area at 58 degrees, open up the doors underneath your sink to allow heat in there and circulate those pipes,” he said.

Even when no one is in the house, such as individuals or families leaving for vacations, it is vital to keep your home warm. York said one of the most common things he sees is plumbing issues due to inactive furnaces.

“If you turn off your furnace while you’re gone on vacation and we get a cold snap, you have the possibility of pipes freezing inside your house,” he said. “You need to make sure you turn your heat down, not off, to save power.”

York has his own checklist he likes to go through during each change of season. They include checking smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries and changing air filters on furnaces and AC units to ensure they run efficiently. Other steps include sealing windows and doors from drafts, disconnecting hoses from outside faucets and taking safety precautions with space heaters.

The city deals with utility issues on the portion they own, such as electrical up to the meter, water up to the curb-stop box, and mainline sewer issues. It also can assist people who call for issues relating to utilities not owned by the city. Any questions can be directed to Public Utilities at 507-238-2942 or 507-238-9461.