Protect Your Home From Frozen Pipes: Essential Tips For Homeowners

Over the Christmas holiday, I got a firsthand look at the chaos that a frozen pipe in a home can cause. My sister's basement flooded and it led to months of heartbreaking activity.

I can also imagine with the kind of sub-zero weather we've been having, that this has been a problem for many homeowners. If you live in an older home like the one that I reside in frozen pipes can be an ever-present winter threat.

But there are certain things you can do to try and prevent this catastrophe from happening in your home.

Here are some tips from a recent article by Consumer Reports - -

Make sure your furnace is working and the vents are clear
Open kitchen and bathroom doors to let warmer air in around your pipes. Especially if those pipes are on an exterior wall.
Let cold water trickle from your faucets that have those exterior pipes and that will help keep them from freezing.
Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night. During severe cold weather is not a time to set your thermostat down during the night.
If you'll be away from your home set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.
When possible, add insulation to basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Also, seal cracks, openings around windows, and more.

For more information on this subject see Consumer Reports or check with a qualified plumber.

Source: Consumer Reports

A Survival Guide For Your First Winter in South Dakota

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the rest of the Sioux Empire (AKA southeastern South Dakota) are welcoming thousands of new residents every year.

Many of you new folks will be experiencing your first eastern South Dakota winter. While it doesn't usually get as bad as our Dakota friends up north, I speak from experience when I say it can get a little rough.

MORE: What Every South Dakotan Should Be Doing to Prepare for Winter

So, to help ease you into winter in Sioux Falls and South Dakota here are some winter survival tips:

Gallery Credit: RESULTS-TOWNSQUARE MEDIA SIOUX FALLS

Do You Remember These 10 Crazy Snowstorms In South Dakota?

Here's some news that some South Dakotans prefer not to hear this time of year. Winter is coming. In denial? The dropping temperatures and early snowstorms out west by Deadwood speak for themselves.

Slowly but surely, people of the Sioux Empire are bracing for colder weather and snow-covered roads. Even though snow will soon be gracing the Sioux Empire with its presence, some snow showers will not compare to these ten dreadful snowstorms that hit South Dakota.

Only In Your State highlights these ten snowstorms in South Dakota as a reminder for people to always be aware of the roads during the winter. These South Dakotan winters can be harsh, which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the worst.

Do you remember any major snowstorms that hit South Dakota?

Gallery Credit: Christine Manika