Winter is when we tend to hide way inside our homes to escape the dropping outdoor temperatures. Nothing quite beats being able to lay on the couch under a nice blanket, maybe even sipping a cup of hot chocolate and watching a movie. But what if your heat were to go out suddenly? Would you know how to react and keep yourself and your loved ones safe? We are here to give you a guide about what to do if a heat outage should hit your home this winter:
What Should I Do?
The first important thing to remember is to try your best to stay calm. Doing so will help you keep a level and clear head as you evaluate your situation and decide on the next steps. The first action you should take is to contact a professional to try and get heat restored as quickly as possible. While waiting for a professional to come to assess and fix the situation, it’s best to layer up and keep all doors and windows closed to keep heat in your home.
It can also help to lightly run your faucets to keep water flowing through your pipes. Doing so will help prevent water from freezing in your pipes which make cause them to burst and leak. If you have not lost electricity, heating something warm like tea or soup can also be helpful. This will help distract your mind while also warming you up from the inside out.
How Can I Prepare?
A great way to prepare for a heating outage is to create a plan and a “heat outage kit.” This ensures that even if you are caught off guard by your heater going out, you already have the steps in place to take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Essential items to have stocked:
- Winter garments (hats, gloves, scarfs, coats, etc.)
- Flashlight (extra batteries)
- Portable charger
- Camp or Alcohol Stove
- Non-perishable canned food
- Sleeping bag
- Tents
Some of these items may seem extreme, but if you are ever caught in a heating outage that will last overnight, they could save your life.
What Mistakes Can I Avoid?
There are a few things you can avoid to make sure you get your heat back as soon as possible and avoid harming your health:
- Do not sit in a running car in your garage. This may seem tempting as you would be able to sit in a heated space. But, if you sit in a closed garage with your car running, this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and can be fatal.
- Avoid taking a hot shower. This may seem like a sure-fire way to warm up, but if you get wet and sit in the cold, this could lead to a case of hypothermia.
- Lighting candles. This may seem like a good idea, but with one fell swoop, of a child or pet, a candle could be knocked out, causing a fire. Adding another problem to your list.
Why Are Regular HVAC Inspections Important?
Another great way to get ahead of a possible heating outage is to set up regular HVAC inspections with a professional. An inspection can target problem points in your home’s appliances and help you find solutions before disaster strikes. At Dodrill Comfort & Energy Solutions we know what problems to look for and how exactly to fix them. We aim to put your mind at ease and ensure you and your home is taken care of.
To ensure you and your family have a warm and cozy winter contact Dodrill Comfort & Energy Solutions at (304) 212-2004! We are here to make sure your home’s HVAC is running as it should.