Cold weather brings many perils. These include the possibility your heat could go out. Do you know what to do if this happens?
Here are six steps you should take:
- Before this even becomes a problem, check out FEMA’s guidelines on what to include in an emergency kit.
The agency recommends you store enough food, water and supplies to last you three full days.
- Check to see if there’s a power outage. You don’t necessarily have to go outside to do this. Do your neighbors have power? If they do, check your circuit breaker to ensure your breakers and fuses work correctly.
If other homes appear to be without power, report the outage to your electric company. Have this number easily accessible before a problem happens.
- Turn off all appliances and unplug bigger items like your TV so when the power does come back, you don’t overload your circuit breaker.
Be sure though to leave one light on so you know when the power is restored.
- Wear as many layers of clothing as comfortably fit. Stay on the move because activity raises your core body temperature.
- Everyone should huddle together for warmth, sharing their body heat.
- If you have a wood stove or fireplace, you can use it to keep your home warm during a power outage.
Don’t use kerosene heaters or camp stoves. They can emit carbon monoxide and are a major fire hazard.
Eyman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning wants you safe and healthy this winter. Have an issue with your furnace? Call us today at 402-731-2727. We are here to help you.
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