Extreme Cold: How to Protect Your Home, Your Car, and Yourself?

Protect Yourself from the Cold

• Dress in layers and keep your extremities warm.
• Limit your time outdoors during the coldest periods whenever possible.
• Be mindful of vulnerable people around you.

Prepare Your Car

Before the first cold spells:

• Check the condition and charge of your battery.
• Use windshield washer fluid suitable for winter temperatures.
• Check your tire pressure and tread depth.
• Equip your vehicle in accordance with Luxembourg’s regulations for winter driving.
• Check your windshield wipers, lights, and any other equipment necessary for driving.

Protect Your Home from Freezing

• Insulate water pipes and meters exposed to the cold, especially in unheated areas.
• If a pipe freezes, never use an open flame to thaw it. If in doubt, call a professional.
• Maintain your heating equipment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Prepare your pool and pool equipment for winter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you’ll be away

• Maintain an appropriate minimum temperature or activate the freeze-protection mode if your system allows it.
• If there’s a risk of severe freezing and you’ll be away for an extended period, take the appropriate measures for your system to protect the pipes.
• Avoid leaving auxiliary heating devices running unattended.
• Limit multiple plug-ins and electrical overloads.

Key takeaway: In winter, a few checks before the first sub-freezing temperatures can prevent costly and uncomfortable incidents.