Most of you have heard that we are in for a cold and wet winter. In fact, the worst winter in 25 years is what the experts are predicting. Are you prepared? Below are some suggestions to help make this winter less stressful.

Water Lines

• Establish a procedure to ensure snow is routinely cleared away from hydrants, sprinkler control valves, smoke and heat vents and other essential equipment.
• All hoses should be removed from outside water faucets. The faucets should be “frost proof” self draining types or isolated indoors and opened to drain.

Heating System

• Maintain indoor temperatures above 40 degrees in heated areas to prevent pipe freeze-ups.
• Examine the entire heating system components; boilers, piping, burners, and controls prior to the cold weather. All deficiencies should be repaired.
• For boilers: completely drain idle equipment, elevate low points or provide drain valves on condensate return lines, remove low points and dead ends, check all service lines for possible freezing, and install heat tracing around control lines transmitter boxes and piping that carries water to the water glass.
• Ensure heating equipment is capable of maintaining building temperatures above 40 degrees at the coldest point within a building (corners, eaves and areas without heat).
• Schedule routine inspections for all space heaters to ensure proper operation.
• Maintain adequate clearance between all heating equipment and combustible walls, floors, partitions, platforms, and stock.

Sprinkler System

• Install thermometers near sprinkler piping.
• Lubricate all sprinkler control valves and locks to permit ease of operation.
• Label location of outside sprinkler control valves and hydrants for easy visibility.
• Continue to conduct routine inspections of all sprinkler control valves.
• For dry systems: maintain all dry valve rooms above 40 degrees, insulate enclosure or provide portable heaters if necessary, check pitch in piping and drain all low points and auxiliary drains.

Sidewalks-Front Entrance

• Keep sidewalks and walkways clear of snow and ice to prevent falls.
• Keep “wet floor” signs inside front entry if floor becomes wet and slippery.

Emergency Kit

• Have plenty of drinking water and food on hand for yourself and employees in case roads are closed.
• Blankets
• First aid kit
• Wind-up or battery operated radio (include extra batteries)
• Wind-up flashlight and/or glow sticks
• Gloves
• Whistle
• If you have a generator make sure you have extra fuel

If the power is out DO NOT use candles.

Water Lines

• Make sure all pipes are wrapped that are exposed to the elements. This includes pipes in your garage.
• Disconnect outside hoses and cover faucets with insulated covers.
• Do not turn the heat off to your hot tub if filled with water.
• Winterize your motor home/trailer early. We have already had freezing temperatures in the morning.

Heating Systems

• Have your furnace serviced once a year by a professional. Keep items at least 3 feet away from gas furnaces.
• Change the filter as recommended by the manufacture.
• Have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Place 5-6 feet from potential carbon monoxide sources.

Space Heaters – Give Me Space

• Keep all space heaters at least 3-4 feet away from household combustibles.
• Use space heaters only as a supplementary source of heat. They are not intended to replace the home’s heating system.
• Never use extension cords with space heaters unless absolutely necessary.
• Never use a heater with a frayed or damaged wire.
• If the heater’s plug becomes very hot, the outlet may need to be replaced by a qualified technician.
• Look for the UL mark on your electric heater. This means representative samples of the appliance have met UL’s stringent safety standards.

Fireplace and Wood Stoves

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional every year. Creosote build up in your chimney could start a fire.
• Burn only well seasoned wood or commercial fireplace fuels. Burning cardboard, trash, Christmas trees could emit toxic fumes.
• Open the flue before lighting a fire.
• Keep the screen or glass doors closed to keep embers inside the fireplace.
• Do not let children near wood stoves, fireplaces or heaters when in use to prevent burns.

Never use gas fired ovens or ranges to heat your home.

Generators

• Never use inside your home or in a garage. In fact, never use in any confined space that can allow carbon monoxide to collect.
• Generators should be kept at least 10 feet from any building.

Extension cords

• Are designed for temporary use only
• Use cords that have a UL rating label
• Use for portable appliances only
• Make sure it is the right size for appliance
• Never chain them together
• Never put furniture or rugs over cords
• Avoid stapling cords to walls
• Unplug when not in use

Emergency kit for one week

• Food
• Water (one gallon per day per person)
• Medications
• Toiletries
• Tent
• Blankets
• Extra clothing
• Extra pair of shoes
• Gloves
• Dust mask
• Wind-up flashlight and/or glow sticks
• Wind-up or battery operated radio (include extra batteries)
• Whistle
• Games for kids
• Reading Books

Vehicles

Emergency Kit and Safety

• Flashlight, blanket, gloves, extra pair of shoes/boots, jumper cables, wind-up flashlight and/or glow sticks, water, food, chains and flares.
• Always tell someone the route you will be taking.
• Make sure your cell phone has a full charge.
• Call the person that knows your route to let them know you have arrived at your destination.
• Do not drive over downed power lines.
• If a road is closed do not attempt to go around the sign. It is closed for your safety.

Lakes and Ponds

• Do not let children play on or near any frozen water. Keep pets away as well.