How to Prepare for Extreme Cold

Turn on the TV or radio, grab your Smart Phone, or open a new window on your tablet: the latest weather update is never more than a click or two away. But here’s the thing: right now, it’s pretty nice outdoors. But a friend just called and told you to brace yourself for the extreme cold not more than 14 hours away. You don’t want to believe it, but the weather report suggests your friend isn’t making this up. Ultimately, you decide it’s better to be safe than sorry. Except, what exactly does that mean? To help fill in the blanks, here are a few tips from Bob Boldt HVAC on how to prepare – indoors and out – for extreme-cold conditions.

• Dress in layers and cover as much skin as possible to prevent body heat loss, hypothermia, and frostbite.
• Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors in below-freezing temps.
• Bring your pets indoors. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.
• Equip your car with a flashlight, batteries, and blankets in case you have a breakdown. And don’t forget antifreeze and some ice melt.
• If you use a space heater, place it on a flat, level surface at least three feet away from furniture, draperies, bedding, or any other flammable material. Keep a watchful eye on small children while the heater is on.
• Never leave a space heater on overnight or while you’re out.
• Never use your oven or cooktop to heat your home.
• Make sure that all embers in your wood-burning fireplace or stove are completely extinguished before going to bed.
• If you don’t have family or friends nearby, familiarize yourself with local warming shelters should you lose power.
• Check-in on elderly neighbors and relatives to ensure they’re not in any kind of peril.

While there’s never a good time to have a home heating problem, it’s always worse in the sub-freezing cold. If you’ve lost heat or your furnace is behaving erratically, don’t wait to contact Bob Boldt HVAC for prompt and expert assistance. Our heating services include a 100% satisfaction guarantee plus we’re available, 24/7, for emergency heating repairs.