As North Dakota experiences its initial dips in temperature and signs of fall become more apparent, residents in Bismarck and Mandan are encouraged to prepare their garages for the serious cold that is yet to come. With cooler weather prompting a shift to warmer clothing and fall decor appearing in stores, now is an opportune time to address certain common household items that, if left in unheated garage spaces, could be damaged by freezing conditions. Taking proactive steps can help local residents get organized and potentially save them the cost of replacing valuable or essential belongings.
Among the items particularly susceptible to cold temperatures are various types of batteries. Many residents might have kept batteries, such as those used for summer projects, stored in their garages. According to BatteriesPlus.com, it is advisable to find a warmer indoor location for both unattached car batteries and power tool batteries. Exposure to severe cold can diminish their capacity and lifespan, making it crucial to bring them inside before sustained freezing temperatures set in. This simple action can help maintain their functionality and readiness for future use, preventing unexpected replacements later in the season.
Another category of items to consider removing from the garage before winter are those contained in pressurized spray cans. These can include a wide array of products, such as spray paint, lubricants, sealants, and cleaners. The source material highlights that items in pressurized spray cans "should probably come out of the cold." The primary concern is that freezing temperatures can affect the integrity of the cans or their contents, potentially leading to a dangerous situation where "these things can go boom." Moving these products to a temperature-controlled environment indoors can mitigate this risk.
An item that might seem less obvious but is equally vulnerable is old, irreplaceable photographs. Many families store boxes of cherished photographic memories in garages, unaware of the potential for harm during colder months. According to Southern Living, cold temperatures pose a significant threat to these sensitive paper-based items. Prolonged exposure to frigid conditions can cause photographs to become brittle. This brittleness, in turn, can lead to irreversible damage through tearing or fading. To preserve these valuable personal histories, it is recommended that residents bring all irreplaceable photographs inside to a stable, warmer environment.
Finally, antique china and other delicate ceramic pieces also warrant attention. If residents have any old, antique china stored in their garages, it is prudent to move these items indoors. The source material indicates that fluctuations in temperature, which are characteristic of garage environments as outdoor temperatures drop, can cause chips and cracks in such delicate items. The expansion and contraction caused by these changes can compromise the structural integrity and aesthetic value of valuable antique pieces. Protecting these heirlooms from the harsh North Dakota winter requires a move to a more consistent indoor climate.
By addressing these four categories of items now, as autumn progresses, residents across Burleigh and Morton counties can safeguard their property. This preventative maintenance not only protects valuable and sentimental belongings from the damaging effects of cold weather but also helps avoid the inconvenience and expense of replacement during the winter months.
