Family winter prep: Keep your home cozy and safe

(NC) Winter weather can bring everything from icy drafts to unexpected power outages, but winter safety is a family affair. With a few simple steps, you can keep your home warm and your loved ones protected.

1. Start with education. Teach everyone in the home what natural gas smells like (similar to rotten eggs) and what to do if they detect it. Everyone should know to leave the house immediately and call the gas utility from a safe location.
2. Focus on efficiency. Keep heating vents clear of furniture, rugs and toys to ensure warm air circulates properly. Blocked vents can cause uneven heating in your home and strain on your furnace because it has to work harder to keep your home warm.
   On sunny days, open curtains to let natural light help warm your home. Close vents and doors in unused rooms to save energy. Draft stoppers can help seal off spaces like guest bedrooms or basements.
3. Stay on top of outdoor maintenance. Make sure your natural gas meter and appliance vents are clear of snow and ice. Use a broom to gently remove buildup and avoid damaging the equipment.
   “Winter safety is a family affair,” says Chris Minor, an operations manager at Enbridge Gas. “From heating and hot water to cooking and laundry, natural gas plays a key role in your home’s comfort. Teaching your family about natural gas safety and keeping your meter clear are simple ways to help protect your household all season long.”
4. Create a winter safety checklist with your kids. Involve your kids in the testing of carbon monoxide (CO) alarms so they’re aware of what it sounds like in the event of a CO emergency. Create and review a safety plan with your children, share the appropriate emergency contacts with them and review what to do in case of a power outage or gas leak.

By having a plan in place and following some regular maintenance, you can have some peace of mind in keeping your family safe and warm during the winter. You can find more family safety tips at enbridgegas.com/safety.