Burlington, VT – As Vermont heads into Black Friday weekend, state officials are urging Burlington-area homeowners to complete winter preparations before another round of freezing nighttime temperatures settles across Chittenden County.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), this year’s La Niña pattern is expected to bring more abrupt shifts between daytime thaws and overnight freezes. These swings can increase the risk of frozen pipes, ice dams, and early-season heating strain, especially in older Burlington, South Burlington, and Winooski homes with mixed-age insulation.
Overnight lows are forecast to fall into the teens and 20s late Friday into Saturday across northern Vermont, prompting officials to recommend that residents complete high-priority winterization tasks as early as possible.
Home energy specialists say the first step is insulating exposed pipes, particularly in basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Clearing gutters is also essential to prevent ice dams, which form easily when meltwater refreezes during cold Vermont nights. NWS also reminds homeowners to remove leaves and debris from roofs and drainage areas before the colder air arrives.
Energy experts recommend sealing drafty windows and doors, checking attic insulation levels, and testing home heating systems ahead of the colder December pattern. Vermont fire officials further urge residents to test carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, noting that heating-related calls increase statewide during the post-Thanksgiving period.
Emergency management officials advise checking on elderly or homebound residents, who may need assistance finishing home prep tasks before temperatures dip through the holiday weekend.
