Winter Weather Preparedness, and Emergency Contacts

• Wrap exposed faucets and pipes, including those outside the house or in unheated crawl spaces, attics, garages and other areas. If you don't have the foam pipe coverings, a towel or rag and duct tape will do the trick.
• Let your indoor faucets drip.
• Open cabinets below sinks to allow the heat to circulate around the water pipes.
• Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid is on tight.
• Cover any vents around your home's foundation.
• Drain and store water hoses indoors.
• Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
• Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)
• Drain water sprinkler supply lines.
• Make sure you know where your home's shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off.
• If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.
• If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for instructions on protecting your water heater.

• Take time to have your battery's charge and cold-cranking amps checked Check your batteries for corrosion.
• Never use wiper blades to clear ice or frost as this damages the blades. Use a scraper or can de-icer. Make sure all windows are clear for best visibility.
• NEVER warm up your car in a closed garage, carbon monoxide poisoning is possible.

Customers can help by taking the following conservation steps. Given the prolonged, below-freezing temperatures, conservation measures should be implemented safely and within reason.

·         Turn down thermostats to 68-degrees.
·         Close shades and blinds to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
·         Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
·         Avoid using large appliances (i.e., ovens, washing machines, etc.).
·         Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
·         Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.

Housing:

• Provide proper shelter for your pet whether they live indoors or outdoors. Indoor pets should have their bed or crate placed in a safe and warm place that is away from drafts.
• Outdoor pets should have a well insulated house that is wind and waterproof resistant and elevated off the ground so wind and moisture can't seep inside. Install a door flap to protect against drafts and gusts of wind. Extra blankets and straw will also help to increase your pet's warmth.
• Room and floor heaters should be kept away from your pet as they are an obvious fire hazard and can cause serious injuries as well.

Food & Water:

• Make sure to provide fresh, clean water for your pet every day. Outdoor pets need to consume 25 to 50 percent more calories than usual because the cold weather tends to deplete their energy. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian to make sure what is right for your pet.

Cars are Refrigerators:

• A car can act as refrigerator in the winter. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during the winter months as they will freeze to death.

Cats and Cars:

• Keep your cats indoors during the winter. Not only can outdoor cats freeze, they sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars to stay warm. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. Give an outdoor cat a chance to escape by banging loudly on the car hood before starting your car.

Warmth:

• If you have a short-haired breed of dog, consider getting him / her a sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly to keep them warm.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in the winter months as a longer coat will provide more warmth.

Antifreeze:

• Dogs and cats are attracted to the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze which contains ethylene glycol. A tiny lick can kill your dog or cat so make sure to check your car for leaks on your driveway or gutter.
• Keep containers tightly closed and clean up spills immediately.
• Check your local retailer for "pet safe" antifreeze.

Rodenticides:

• Rat and mouse poisons are commonly used during the winter months. Place them out of reach as they can cause fatal bleeding or kidney failure in your pet.