Preparing Your Home

• Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power.
• Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication.
• Do not forget the needs of pets.
• Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. 
• Keep out the cold with proper insulation, caulking, and weather stripping.

Frozen Pipe Prevention

When frigid temperatures are predicted, be sure to monitor your pipes. Help prevent frozen or burst pipes by:

• Disconnecting gardening hoses and cover faucets outside the home.
• Insulating the pipes nearest external walls with either pipe insulation or heating tape.
• Occasionally open cabinet doors that enclose pipes to allow heat to reach these pipes. 
• A dripping faucet may reduce the likelihood of a pipe freezing or breaking. The faucet furthest from the water main is most effective.
• Know where your main water valve and the valve on your water heater are located. Knowing these locations will come in handy in case of a water emergency.
• Homes with an internal temperature of 68 degrees or above are less likely to experience frozen pipes.

Heating

• Be extremely cautious when using space heaters. Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including paper, clothing, or rugs. Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces and plug them directly into a wall outlet.
• Check your chimneys and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in working order.
• Do not use ovens or any other gas-powered appliance to help heat your home. 
• Make sure furnace vents are clear of snow and ice. High-efficiency furnaces have exhaust vents closer to the first floor level of homes and must be kept clear.
• Make sure your gas meter is clear of snow and ice to keep it in working order.