𝑷𝑹𝑬𝑷𝑨𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝒀𝑶𝑼𝑹 𝑯𝑶𝑴𝑬

Leave your faucets on a slow drip.

• To help prevent frozen pipes, run a spaghetti-thin trickle of water from the faucet farthest from your water meter when temperatures approach 32 degrees.
• Run just a thin trickle to prevent contributing to a citywide water pressure drop.
• Open cabinet doors hiding pipes under sinks to let home heat reach them and prevent freezing.
• For pipes in unheated areas, use heat tape or other insulation to keep them warm.

Be prepared to turn off your water (or disconnect hoses).

• Disconnect outdoor hoses.
• Know where the main water shutoff to your property is in case of a pipe break.
• Watch for leaks as temperatures climb and ice thaws.

Turn up the thermostat.

• Leave the heat on at all times during extreme cold weather.
• Use a programmable thermostat to set different temperatures while home, at work, or asleep.
• Set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature (recommended: 60 degrees).

If a pipe bursts:

• Turn off your water and drain the plumbing.
• Locate the main water line from your meter and turn it off.
• Run all faucets to drain the pipes.
• Disconnect garden and washing machine hoses.
• Call a plumber immediately.

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𝑷𝑹𝑬𝑷𝑨𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝒀𝑶𝑼𝑹 𝑷𝑬𝑻𝑺

If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets.

• Bring pets indoors from the cold.
• If unable to bring them inside, provide shelter that protects from wind and rain, and ensure access to clean, unfrozen water.
• Prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, or even death.

Stray animals seek warmth wherever possible.

• Outdoor cats often crawl into car engines for warmth.
• Before starting your car, honk the horn or tap the hood to scare them away.
• Let outdoor cats into garages or provide shelters with blankets or hay.

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𝑷𝑹𝑬𝑷𝑨𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝒀𝑶𝑼𝑹 𝑷𝑳𝑨𝑵𝑻𝑺

• Cover vegetable, tender, and tropical plants with light-colored material (e.g., a bedsheet) extending to the ground without touching foliage.
• Cover citrus plants when temperatures remain below 32°F for more than 6 hours.
• Put covers on in the afternoon to trap warm air and remove or vent them during sunny or warm days.
• Water soil around plants thoroughly.
• Spread a 4-6 inch layer of mulch around the base of tropical plants.
• Bring non-hardy potted plants indoors (e.g., garage or shed).

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𝑷𝑹𝑨𝑪𝑻𝑰𝑪𝑬 𝑭𝑰𝑹𝑬 𝑺𝑨𝑭𝑬𝑻𝒀

Space heaters:

• Never leave them unattended.
• Plug heaters directly into the wall socket, not into extension cords.
• Check cords for fraying or splitting and replace as needed.
• Keep anything flammable at least 3 feet away.
• Unplug heaters when not in use.

Generators:

• Use only in well-ventilated areas outside.
• Place them away from doors, windows, and vents.
• Never refuel while running; turn off and cool down first.
• Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords for appliances.
• Have a qualified electrician install a transfer switch for house wiring.

Fireplaces and woodstoves:

• Use only seasoned wood.
• Ensure the chimney flue is open before use.
• Use a protective screen.
• Clean hearths and chimneys annually.

Candles:

• Use non-tip holders and keep away from combustibles.
• Extinguish before leaving or sleeping.

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𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑺𝑶𝑼𝑹𝑪𝑬𝑺

• Have heating systems inspected annually by professionals.
• Ensure proper ventilation for gas heating sources to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
• Never use stoves or ovens for heating.
• Open a window slightly for fresh air when using gas heating in tightly sealed houses.

Smoke alarms:

• Install alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and floor.
• Test batteries monthly and keep away from vents.

Carbon monoxide detectors:

• Place near bedrooms and heat sources.
• Test weekly and clean vents regularly.

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