Winter Weather Ready

Winter in Arkansas can be unpredictable. One day you're wearing shorts, and the next, you're scraping ice off your windshield. While we don't face the brutal winters of northern states, when cold weather and ice storms do hit, they can catch us off guard. Whether you're in Fort Smith, Greenwood, or Fayetteville, being prepared for winter weather protects both you and your home. Here's everything you need to know to stay safe, warm, and worry-free this winter.

The Arkansas Winter Reality Check

Let's be honest: Arkansas winter weather is weird. We might go weeks with mild temperatures in the 50s and 60s, then suddenly drop into the teens with ice or snow. This unpredictability is exactly why preparation matters. When the National Weather Service issues a winter storm warning for our area, stores sell out of supplies fast, and by then it might already be too late to protect your home from freezing temperatures.

Protecting Your Pipes: The #1 Winter Priority

Frozen pipes are the most common and most expensive winter problem we see. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands and can cause pipes to burst, leading to flooding, water damage, and a home that's temporarily unlivable. The good news? This is almost always preventable.

When to Take Action

When the forecast shows temperatures dropping into the 20s or below, especially if those low temperatures will last for several hours, it's time to protect your pipes. Pay special attention when temperatures are predicted to stay below freezing for 24 hours or more.

The Drip Method

Open your faucets to a slow, steady drip—about the thickness of a pencil lead. You don't need a heavy stream, just enough to keep water moving through the pipes. Moving water is much less likely to freeze than standing water. Focus on faucets connected to pipes along exterior walls or in unheated areas. Yes, this uses some extra water, but it's far cheaper than repairing a burst pipe.

Cabinet Doors Open

Open the cabinet doors under your bathroom and kitchen sinks. This allows warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes. This simple step can make a huge difference, especially for pipes along exterior walls.

Never Let Your Heat Drop Too Low

If you're going out of town during winter, never set your thermostat below 55 degrees. We know you want to save on the electric bill, but the cost of heating an empty home for a few days is nothing compared to the thousands in damage a burst pipe can cause. Set it to at least 60 degrees and ask a friend or neighbor to check on your place if possible.

Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

Disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor faucets before the first freeze. Water trapped in a hose can freeze back into the pipe and cause it to burst. If your outdoor faucets have shut-off valves inside the home, turn them off and drain the exterior faucet.

Know Your Shut-Off Valve

Before winter hits, locate your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe does burst, shutting off the water immediately can minimize damage. Take a photo of its location and save it in your phone—during an emergency, you'll be glad you did.

Keeping Your Home Warm and Energy Efficient

Thermostat Wisdom

Your thermostat should be set to at least 68 degrees during extreme cold, even when you're away. Resist the urge to crank it up to 80—your heating system works at the same speed regardless, and you'll just waste energy. If you have a programmable thermostat, avoid big temperature swings during winter. Gradual changes are more efficient.

Check Your Weatherstripping

Feel around your doors and windows for drafts. If you can feel cold air coming in, you're losing heated air. Inexpensive weatherstripping or door sweeps can make a noticeable difference. For windows, a simple clear plastic window film kit (available at any hardware store) creates an insulating barrier and can reduce heating costs.

Space Heaters: Use with Extreme Caution

If you use a space heater, make sure it has an automatic shut-off feature if it tips over, keep it at least three feet away from anything flammable (curtains, bedding, furniture), never leave it running when you sleep or leave the room, and plug it directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord. Space heaters cause thousands of fires each year, so please use them responsibly.

HVAC Filter Check

Your heating system works hard during winter. A clogged filter makes it work even harder, costing you money and potentially leading to system failure. Check your filter monthly during winter and change it if it looks dirty. This simple $5 fix can prevent a $500+ emergency repair call.

Ice Storm Preparedness

Ice storms are Arkansas's specialty, and they can knock out power for days while making roads completely impassable. Here's how to be ready:

Stock Up Before the Storm

When a winter storm is in the forecast, don't wait until the last minute. Stock up on non-perishable food, water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days), flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, phone chargers and backup battery packs, any necessary medications, and basic first aid supplies.

If You Lose Power

Close off unused rooms and focus on heating one or two main living areas. Use towels or blankets to block drafts under doors. Layer clothing instead of cranking up space heaters. Never use a gas stove, grill, or generator indoors for heat—carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly and invisible. If the power outage is extended, let us know. We may need to take steps to protect the property's plumbing.

Food Safety During Outages

Your refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours without power if you keep the door closed. A freezer will maintain temperature for about 48 hours if full (24 hours if half-full). During winter, you can also use the outdoors as a natural refrigerator if temperatures are below 40 degrees.

Dealing with Ice and Snow

Walkways and Driveways

You're generally responsible for keeping walkways to your entrance clear of ice and snow to prevent slips and falls. Salt or ice melt products work well, but use them sparingly near grass and plants as they can cause damage. Sand or kitty litter provides traction without the chemical concerns. Never use hot water to melt ice—it can refreeze quickly and make the situation worse.

Icicles and Ice Dams

Large icicles hanging from your roof might look pretty, but they're a warning sign of heat loss and potential ice dams. If you notice significant icicle formation, let us know. Ice dams can cause water to back up under shingles and leak into your home.

Winter Vehicle Preparedness

While this isn't strictly about your rental home, being prepared to stay put during winter weather is important:

Keep Your Tank Above Half Full

During winter, don't let your gas tank drop below half. If you get stranded or roads become impassable, you'll have fuel for heat and the ability to relocate if needed.

Winter Emergency Kit for Your Car

Ice scraper and snow brush, blanket, flashlight, basic first aid kit, phone charger, non-perishable snacks, and bottled water. Keep this in your trunk all winter.

When to Contact Us

Call Us Immediately For:

• No heat when temperatures are below freezing
• Suspected frozen or burst pipes
• Water leaks of any kind
• Roof damage from ice or snow
• Broken windows from falling ice or tree branches
• Any safety or security issue

What Can Wait:

• Minor drafts (report them, but not an emergency)
• A single room that's slightly cooler than others
• General questions about winter preparation

Don't hesitate to call if you're facing a genuine emergency like no heat or water damage.

After the Storm

Once the weather clears, do a walk-around of your property. Look for any damage from ice, fallen branches, or other storm-related issues. Check gutters and downspouts for ice blockages. Test all faucets to make sure nothing froze. Report any concerns to us promptly—the sooner we know about damage, the sooner we can address it before it becomes a bigger problem.

The Bottom Line

Winter weather in Arkansas demands respect, not fear. A little preparation and awareness can prevent most cold-weather emergencies. Remember: let your faucets drip when it's freezing, keep your heat on even when you're away, know where your water shut-off is, and stock up on supplies before the storm hits.

We're here to help keep your home safe and comfortable all winter long. If you have questions about winterizing your specific property or concerns about cold weather, don't hesitate to reach out. We'd much rather answer a quick question now than deal with an emergency later.

Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the cozy side of Arkansas winter!

Additional Resources:

• National Weather Service - Little Rock: weather.gov/lzk
• Arkansas 511 Road Conditions: idrivearkansas.com
• Emergency Alerts: Sign up for local emergency notifications through your county's emergency management office