Preparing your home for winter weather is crucial for comfort, safety, and preventing damage. Here’s a good guide to help get you ready:
Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors
- Check for drafts around windows and doors. Replace or add weatherstripping where needed.
- Seal any gaps or cracks where air might leak in or out.
Insulate Your Home
- Ensure your attic and walls are well-insulated. Adding more insulation can significantly reduce heating costs.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas like the garage or attic to prevent freezing.
Heating System Check
- Furnace: Have your furnace inspected and cleaned by a professional. Replace filters if necessary.
- Fireplace: Clean the chimney and check for any blockages or damage.
Check Your Roof
- Inspection: Look for missing or damaged shingles. Clear gutters of debris to prevent ice dams.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to avoid moisture buildup which can lead to ice dams.
Protect Your Plumbing
- Drain Outside Hoses: Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Shut off outside water supplies.
- Let Faucets Drip: If temperatures drop extremely low, letting faucets drip can prevent pipes from freezing.
- Crawl Spaces: Install pipe insulation or heat tape for your less than warmer areas.
Prepare Your Yard
- Drain Sprinklers: Turn off and drain your sprinkler system.
- Protect Plants: Mulch around plants to protect roots from freezing.
Stock Up on Essentials
- Salt or Sand: For icy walkways.
- Firewood: If you use a fireplace or wood stove.
- Emergency Supplies: Flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food in case of power outages.
Check Your Home’s Electrical Systems
- Inspect Wiring: Ensure all outdoor electrical outlets are GFCI protected.
- Generators: If you have one, make sure it’s in working order and you have enough fuel.
Windows
- Plastic Sheeting: For older homes, consider applying plastic film over windows to add an extra layer of insulation.
- Storm Windows: Be sure to inspect removable storm windows making sure that they are in good repair.
Vehicle Preparation
- Winter Tires: If applicable, switch to winter tires.
- Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, a flashlight, and some snacks.
Safety Measures
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure these are working, especially if you use gas heaters or have a fireplace.
- Smoke Detectors: Check and replace batteries if needed.
Plan for Power Outages
- Backup Heating: Have an alternative heating source like a kerosene heater, but use with caution due to fire hazards.
- Battery-Powered Radio: For updates on weather conditions.
By following these steps, you’ll not only make your home more comfortable during the winter but also prevent potential damage from cold weather. Remember, preparation is key, so start these tasks well before the first frost hits!
FCC Investigates NPR, PBS Over Commercial Allegations
FCC investigates NPR, PBS over commercial allegations — under Chairman Brendan Carr, the investigation was initiated into National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) regarding allegations of airing commercial advertisements, which is prohibited for non-commercial educational broadcast stations.
This investigation focuses on whether the underwriting announcements by NPR and PBS member stations cross the line into what could be considered commercial advertising.
Underwriting announcements are a form of acknowledgment for the financial support provided by sponsors but are meant to be distinct from commercial advertisements.
According to federal law, specifically Section 399B of the Communications Act, non-commercial stations must not air commercials on behalf of for-profit entities. Instead, they are allowed to acknowledge corporate underwriting, which should not include calls to action or promote products/services directly.
Both NPR and PBS have responded to these allegations by asserting that their practices comply with FCC regulations.
NPR CEO Katherine Maher and PBS CEO Paula Kerger have stated that their organizations work diligently to adhere to these regulations, with NPR specifically mentioning its long history of cooperation with the FCC on such matters.
The investigation comes at a time when there is political debate over public funding for NPR and PBS, with some lawmakers considering cutting off these subsidies.
The potential findings of this investigation could influence those discussions, as Chairman Carr has indicated in his communications with Congress that this inquiry might be relevant to the ongoing legislative debate about funding public media.
This development has sparked varied reactions, with some seeing it as an attack on public media, while others view it as necessary scrutiny to ensure legal compliance.
Critics of the investigation, including Democratic FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, have expressed concerns that it might intimidate public broadcasters and threaten the free flow of information.
Conversely, supporters argue it ensures that public media adheres to its non-commercial mandate.
The debate is also fueled by broader political contexts, where NPR and PBS have been accused by some conservative groups of having a liberal bias, leading to calls for reduced or eliminated government funding.
However, public broadcasting has traditionally received bipartisan support due to its educational and cultural contributions, particularly in underserved communities.