For your house:
- Close cut-off valves to and open all exterior faucets.
- For pipes prone to freezing, leave nearby faucet dripping on coldest nights.
- If away, have a neighbor check on things daily.
- Be prepared with back-up heat sources such as firewood or space heaters.
- Keep flashlight with fresh batteries handy.
- Keep a few jugs of extra drinking water on hand.
- Don't use kerosene heaters in an enclosed space.
- Don't heat up the car in the garage with the garage door closed.
- Make sure your chimney damper is closed when not in use.
- Make sure you have snowmelt and a snow shovel on hand.
- Check that all storm windows and windows are closed and latched.
- Make sure that attic insulation does not cover eave or soffit vents.
- Check for drafts around doors and windows and replace weather stripping where necessary.
- Close curtains at night to help insulate windows.
- Minimize use of kitchen and bath exhaust fans.
For your car:
- Use sandbags or other heavy objects to add weight to the trunk of rear-wheel drive cars.
- Place sand, kitty litter, or brown paper bags in trunk to help with traction on ice.
- Keep two windshield scrapers on hand.
- Keep a flashlight, candles and matches in the glove box.
- Carry a good sleeping bag or blankets and a space blanket in case you get stranded.
- Never travel without good waterproof boots.
- Install snow tires or carry chains.
- Refill the gas tank when it is half empty.
- Check the windshield fluid every time you get gas.
- Get a cigarette lighter adapter to extend the charge of your cell phone.
- If stranded, stay with your car and:
- Slightly open window on the side of the car away from the wind.
- Run the car heater and engine for 10 minutes each hour.
- Leave the dome light on when the engine is running to make you more visible.
- Keep your exhaust pipe free of snow. Exercise and flex your limbs to keep your heart rate up.
For you:
- Wear clothing in layers so you can add or subtract items to prevent chills or sweating.
- Mittens are much warmer than gloves in extreme cold.
- Covering the head, face, neck and shoulders is important in extreme cold.
- Use oversized boots with room for extra socks, still leaving wiggle room for your toes.
- Alcohol makes you feel warmer, but actually, speeds heat loss.
- If you feel sleepy, get indoors fast.
- If you can't get somewhere warm, walk briskly or do jumping jacks to increase your heart rate.
