Extreme Cold/Winter Weather Storm Tips

• Take all pets indoors.
• Never use your oven for heat.
• Never bring charcoal or gas grills indoors (they are a carbon monoxide hazard).
• Use electric space heaters with extreme care; avoid placing them near curtains or other flammable materials and turn them off before going to bed.
• Make sure all portable heat-producing appliances are unplugged when not in use (irons, hair devices, etc.).
• Use candles only as a last resort, and never leave candles unattended.
• Keep dryer vents clear of snow and ice.
• Check to make sure that you have enough heating oil to get through the storm.
• Keep heat at adequate levels or leave faucets open with a slight drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Locate the main water shut off valve in your home and mark it for quick identification. Learn how to turn it off, and educate others in your household. If a water pipe bursts, shutting your home’s main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage.
• Leave kitchen cabinet doors open if pipes are subject to freezing. This will allow heat to reach the pipes.
• Don’t use an open flame to thaw pipes. If your pipes do freeze, use a hair dryer or rags soaked in hot water to thaw lines.
• Insulate pipes in unheated spaces like garages, basements, and crawl spaces. This will help prevent frozen pipes, avoiding property damage and the costs of repairs. Additionally, insulating hot water pipes will decrease your wait time for warm water.
• Protect your water meter from icy drafts and freezing temperatures. Most frozen meters are caused by drafts from an open basement door or window.
• Double check your property for drafts as the cold weather sets in. Seal openings in the basement foundation wall where cold air may enter. Stuff holes with insulation and fix broken window panes. A tiny opening may cause exposed pipe or the meter to freeze.