🔥 Winter Heating & Safety Checklist

🔥 Thermostat & Heating Tips:

·        🌡️ Set your central heater to 65°F or lower

·        🔌 Use space heaters in occupied rooms & close doors

·        🚪 Keep unused rooms unheated

·        🌀 Set ceiling fans to reverse (clockwise) to push warm air down

·        🧊 Don’t turn off heat — keep at least 60°F to avoid frozen pipes

·        🧥 Bundle up with blankets, jackets & warm layers

·        🌙 Lower thermostat when away or sleeping

·        ⏲️ Use smart thermostats or timers to automate heating

🪟 Drafts & Air Leak Sealing:

·        🚪 Add weather stripping or door sweeps to doors/windows

·        🔌 Install foam gaskets behind outlets on exterior walls

·        🧴 Apply caulk around window frames & baseboards

·        🧻 Use rolled towels or stoppers at the base of drafty doors

·        🪟 Use thermal curtains or cellular shades to trap heat

⚠️ Natural Gas Winter Safety Tips:

·        ❌ Never use your oven or gas stovetop to heat your home

·        🧹 Keep gas meters clear of snow/ice (use a broom, not tools)

·        💨 Ensure external appliance vents are unblocked

·        ☎️ Call your gas provider if you suspect a leak

·        🔧 Contact a licensed plumber for venting or gas concerns

🚰 Frozen Pipe Prevention:

·        🚰 Let faucets trickle to keep water moving

·        🚪 Open cabinet doors to warm pipes under sinks

·        🧊 Close all windows, doors & garage doors

·        🧣 Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas

💡 Extra Comfort & Safety Tips:

·        🧶 Use rugs & curtains to keep rooms warmer

·        🔦 Keep flashlights, batteries & warm clothes ready

·        🔥 Have a safe backup (electric heater, fireplace, etc.)

·        🔋 Check smoke & carbon monoxide detectors

🔥 Safe Backup:

·        ✅ Electric space heaters with safety shut off

·        ✅ Fireplace (with proper ventilation)

·        ✅ Pellet stoves or wood stoves (with safe handling practices)

·        ✅ Propane heaters approved for indoor use (follow manufacturer guidelines)

·        ✅ Heated blankets or mattress pads (UL-certified)

·        📦 Stock non-perishable food and water for a few days

·        🔋 Charge devices and power banks in advance

·        🕯️ Keep candles and flashlights with fresh batteries

·        🐾 Bring pets inside & protect plants

·        🌳 Trim vulnerable tree limbs to avoid damage

·        🧊 Prepare for extended icy conditions — delays may last days

·        ❌ DO NOT use ovens or stovetops to heat your home

·        ❌ Avoid fuel-burning heaters indoors without ventilation (risk of CO poisoning)

·        ❌ DO NOT use the washing machine, dryer or dishwasher

·        ❌ DO NOT use anything that is not necessary, SAVE ENERGY!