FIRE AND ICE: PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM SEVERE COLD WEATHER THREATS
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Severe cold weather poses a threat to your home and vehicle. Avoid an insurance claim by taking action now.
Leave your faucet running with a slight drip and open the cabinet doors under your sinks.
Look at the trees around your property and cut back branches or stems that are dead, dying, diseased, or broken.
Clearing the debris from your gutters will help prevent ice dams by allowing meltwater to drain freely.
Evaluate the insulation and ventilation (roof or soffit vents) in your attic, keeping the warm air in your home and out of your attic.
Perform maintenance checks on your vehicle. Check the battery, antifreeze and wiper fluid levels. Fill up with gas, pack emergency supplies and keep a windshield scraper on-hand to remove ice.
As you heat your home, keep fire safety in mind.
Keep clothes, drapes, and anything else combustible at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment, especially space heaters.
Never leave space heaters on when you are away from home.
Never plug space heaters into extension cords. Plug electric space heaters directly into an outlet.
All heating equipment should be UL® approved.
Inspect the space heater's power cord for damage, fraying or heat. If the cord inspection reveals any of these issues, the heater should be replaced.
Never use space heaters while you sleep or in areas where children may be without adult supervision.
Always unplug space heaters when they are not in use. The heater should also be equipped with a tip over shut-off switch.
Never use a stove or oven to heat living spaces.
If using a gas heater, install a carbon monoxide detector.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
Smoke alarms should be placed in every sleeping area and common hallways and on every level of the home.
Make sure everyone in your home knows how to get out and where to meet outside.
Once everyone is outside a burning home, call 911 and don't go back inside the home under any circumstances.
