Nov. 25, 2022&mdash;Want to stay warmer this winter if the power goes out? These tips from the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=redcross">American Red Cross</a>, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=cdc">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> and the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=hud">U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development</a> (HUD) can help keep you safe in a cold-weather emergency. And, as an added bonus, they may even help lower your annual heating and cooling bills by as much as 30%.

Keep the cold out
<ul>
 <li>Remove window air conditioners. </li>
 <li>Install storm windows when the temps start falling. Don't have them? Cover the inside of windows with plastic instead. Look for a window insulation kit at your local hardware store. </li>
 <li>Add caulk or weather stripping around outside doors and windows. </li>
 <li>Keep furniture, drapes or carpeting away from baseboard heaters or radiators to keep the heat flowing. </li>
 <li>Own your home? Consider insulating your attic and walls. </li>
</ul>
Homes need checkups too

If you have a working fireplace, you should have your chimney or flue inspected every year, according to CDC. Another annual check: your heating system. A professional technician can find and repair air duct leaks and make sure your system is working smoothly.

Take time now to make sure you're up-to-date on DIY home maintenance too. For example:
<ul>
 <li>Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors if you don't have them. CDC recommends testing batteries monthly and replacing them twice a year. </li>
 <li>Change your furnace filter regularly. According to HUD, dirty filters can make your furnace less efficient. (Be safe and turn off the fuel supply and electricity first.) </li>
</ul>
Plan ahead for winter storms

Winter weather can be a hazard at home and on the road. Learn how to <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/Story.aspx?StoryId=405a7c84-915a-42c8-b2b7-ce267870e47a">prepare your home and car</a> for winter's worst.

Sources:
<ul>
 <li>American Red Cross. "Winter Storm Safety." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html">https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html</a>. </li>
 <li>American Red Cross. "Winter Storm Safety Checklist." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDF_s/Preparedness___Disaster_Recovery/Disaster_Preparedness/Winter_Storm/WinterStorms.pdf">https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDF_s/Preparedness___Disaster_Recovery/Disaster_Preparedness/Winter_Storm/WinterStorms.pdf</a>. </li>
 <li>Benefits.gov. "Tips for Saving on Home Energy Costs This Winter." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benefits.gov/news/article/416">https://www.benefits.gov/news/article/416</a>. </li>
 <li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Preparing for a Winter Storm." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/beforestorm/preparehome.html">https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/beforestorm/preparehome.html</a>. </li>
 <li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/winterweather">https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/winterweather</a>. </li>
 <li>National Weather Service. "Prepare for Cold Weather." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold-before">https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold-before</a>. </li>
 <li>U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. "Find Relief from Winter Energy Bills: It's as Easy as 1, 2, 3." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_10714.PDF">https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_10714.PDF</a>. </li>
</ul>

Winterproofing 101

These tips can help you prepare for power outages this winter. And they might help you save on your heating bill too.