How do I prepare my home for freezing temperatures inside my house during an extended electrical power outage?
A. Your house will typically retain enough heat to keep water pipes from freezing for about two days after losing power and heat. Conserve the heat inside your house by keeping doors and windows closed and running only properly vented gas fireplaces and gas logs. DO NOT USE cooking appliances to heat! Use your gas cook top, gas stove or gas oven only for cooking. These cooking appliances produce a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide and therefore are to be used only for cooking and heating water. After the temperature drops below about 40 degrees F in your house, it is time to prepare for the coming freeze and winterize your house. This involves draining the water pipes, as best you can, and protecting sinks, traps and toilets from freeze damage. First Turn the water supply to your house OFF where the water comes into your house from the street, usually in the basement or utility room in your house. Important Put a large note to yourself that the water is off and the faucets are open
