Protect your family and home with real-time weather alerts

When you get a hard freeze alert, follow these tips:

• Maintain indoor temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit even when you’re not home
• Open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around pipes
• During extreme cold weather, let faucets drip to prevent freezing; even if the water freezes, a slow drip can relieve pressure and help prevent the pipes from bursting
• Know how to shut off your water supply in case a pipe bursts
• Consider a generator (portable or standby) and know how to operate it safely; when using alternative heat sources or a generator in your home, follow all safety guidelines
• Keep fridge and freezer closed to preserve food
• Avoid candles because they can be a fire hazard
• Unplug electronics to prevent damage from surges
• Ensure that your phone is fully charged and your car has a full tank of gas

How to plan ahead for winter weather:

For your home

• Insulate exposed pipes with foam or heat tape
• Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors and foundations
• Ensure that HVAC inspection and maintenance for the winter is complete
• Get a generator, if possible
• Keep pipe repair kits, insulation materials and emergency heating sources handy
• Have an emergency kit with 3 days of food, water, prescription medications and other supplies ready in case of a total shutdown

For your garden and outdoor areas

• Disconnect and drain garden hoses and irrigation systems
• Cover sensitive plants with frost cloths or burlap
• Wrap outdoor faucets with insulated covers
• Store garden tools and machinery indoors

For your car

• Keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your car, including blankets, a first aid kit and jumper cables