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Winter storms can sometimes become so severe that homes are left without power or heat for days. However, it's vital that you keep your family warm, as low temperatures can make your home uncomfortable and bring on illnesses like hypothermia and influenza. Here are tips on how to keep your family safe and warm while waiting for the power or heating repair companies to arrive.

How to Keep Your Family Safe When the Heat Goes Out

1. Conserve Heat

If your heating system conks out in winter, your family should conserve the heat you have left. Wear several layers of loose fitting but warm clothing. Swap your usual gloves for warmer mittens and wear a hat. Stay in one area and close all windows and interior doors to keep the heat inside. Hang blankets or thick curtains over doors to protect against the cold. Roll up towels and place them at the bases of doors to reduce drafts.

2. Look for Alternative Heat Sources

heat repairUse another source of heat as soon as possible, such as the fireplace, portable heaters, or a camp stove. These can produce carbon monoxide, so make sure the room is well-ventilated. Connect the fireplace or stove to a flue or cross-ventilate by opening windows on each side of the room.

Ideally, you should clean your fireplace and chimney before winter and have your furnace or boiler inspected. Also, invest in carbon monoxide detectors and make sure the batteries are working.

3. Head to a Safer (and Warmer) Place

Your home may be too cold to wait around for the heating repair company for long. In this case, head to a more secure location, such as a hotel or community center, providing that the roads are safe to travel. Make sure your home is protected while you're away. Lock all the doors and windows and set your home security alarm system, if you have one. Before heading out, drain the water from your faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Lastly, unplug all appliances in case of a power surge when the light comes back. 


 

Keep your home's HVAC systems running all winter with Ade Heating and Cooling. The Ocean County, NJ-based company offers heating repair services, air conditioning maintenance, and HVAC system installation. Check out their website for more information on their services or call (609) 693-6050 to schedule an appointment.

Their licenses are as follows:

NJ Master HVACR Lic # 19HC00136200
NJ Master HVACR Lic # 19HC00400200
NJ Master Plumbing Lic # 36B100668500

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