BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Despite freezing temperatures, people still got outside Saturday to enjoy the sunshine, embracing the cold in typical Vermont fashion.
“I’m actually sweating a little bit,” said Jason Divece of Essex, who was getting groceries to stock up for Sunday’s snowstorm. “I probably won’t leave my house again until Tuesday.”
Divece said he appreciates Vermont’s winter beauty despite the harsh conditions.
“I think it’s beautiful, the sun’s out, it’s a blue sky and I mean this is Vermont,” Divece said.
Andrew Bresnahan, a born and raised Vermonter, was outside shooting video of Lake Champlain for a project. He said the cold doesn’t bother him.
“I love this weather, I love getting out, I feel alive, it’s rejuvenating, revitalizing,” Bresnahan said.
In extreme cold, experts say residents should check on several things inside their homes. Benjamin Pratt, owner of BP Wastewater Services Vermont, said cold days like Saturday are busy for his business.
“When I woke up this morning it was -9 out, and we’re getting all sorts of calls right now not only about frozen water but also frozen drains,” Pratt said.
While keeping a slow drip of water falling is a common tip for protecting water pipes, Pratt said this could have the opposite effect for homes with septic systems.
“You oftentimes have much shallower drains and if there’s imperfections in those drains or clogs in those drains they oftentimes can freeze due to that drip,” Pratt said.
Gurgling sounds from sinks or rotten egg smells can be signs of freezing vents or drains.
“If you ever try and do some like this on your own you should first figure out where to shut the water off in your house and then gently try to warm up your pipes,” Pratt said.
Residents can warm up water pipes by leaving cabinet doors open. If pipes freeze, experts recommend contacting a professional for help instead of trying to thaw them yourself.
