Be prepared for freezing weather

Freezing temperatures forecast this week are arriving earlier than recent years, and it’s just a hint of what’s to come.

Now is the time to get prepared, officials say.

Are your sprinklers blown out? Has the chimney been swept lately or the heating ducts cleaned? Do you know the best ways to avoid a house fire? Is your car ready for winter weather?

The freezing temperatures haven’t come this early since 2002, when it was 30 degrees on Oct. 1, said Vern Ballard, a National Weather Service technician.

So far this fall, the coldest night recorded in Spokane was 33 degrees on Sunday, although forecasters Thursday expected barely freezing temperatures overnight. A low of 27 degrees is expected for tonight in Spokane, according to Weather Service forecasts.

For Coeur d’Alene, fall’s lowest temperature was 34 on Oct. 13.

Calls for sprinkler blow-outs have increased, said John James, owner of Allen Acres, who cautioned that a sprinkler system can freeze if it stays 29 degrees for six hours. And “we can’t blow it out until it thaws.” Calls for chimney sweeps have been on the rise for about 30 days, and Roy Newkirk, owner of Hi-Reach Services in Post Falls, said he expects them to continue pouring in.

“There are so many fire hazards out there, it’s unbelievable,” Newkirk said of the dangers of dirty chimneys, air ducts and woodstoves.

Having chimneys cleaned is among the numerous fire-prevention tips suggested by the Spokane Fire Department.

“When it gets cold, there are more fires and people get hurt,” said Spokane Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer.

Regarding fireplaces, Schaeffer reminds residents not to burn anything but dry wood and a limited amount of newspaper. Other items, including green wood, Christmas wrapping paper, or plastics cause soot to build up in the chimney, which leads to fires.

Other tips from the Fire Department include keeping space heaters at least three feet from anything burnable; using flashlights instead of candles when there’s a power outage; not using stoves or ovens for heating; and using metal containers for removing ashes from a fireplace or woodstove.

Also, with the colder weather comes the desire to warm up your car before driving off to work or school. But leaving a car running unattended on a public road can lead to a ticket. In the Spokane area, the fine is $124. In Idaho, it’s $52.

“If it’s in the driveway, it’s not illegal, but it’s a good way to get your car stolen,” said Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Capt. Ben Wolfinger.

Studded tires now are legal in Idaho, but not in Washington until Nov. 1.

Beware, Idahoans: If you drive into the Evergreen State with studs before the allowed date, authorities can issue a ticket.