Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

... This week is winter weather awareness week...

November 8 through 14 is winter weather awareness week
across the region. Be prepared before winter weather strikes.
Here are some steps you can take to make sure your home is ready.

Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary, insulate
walls and the attic. Install storm windows or cover windows with
plastic from the inside.

To keep pipes from freezing, wrap pipes in insulation. In extreme
cold, let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing. Know how to shut
off water valves.

Consider safe alternatives for heating your home such as a fireplace
with an ample supply of wood, or a small, well vented wood or Coal
stove with fuel. If you use a portable space heater or kerosene
heater, check with your local Fire Department on the legality of
using kerosene heaters. Use only the correct fuel and follow all
safety precautions.

In all cases when using alternative heat sources, use fire
safeguards and ventilate properly. Fire hazard is greatly increased
in the winter because alternative heating sources are used without
proper safety precautions.

Remaining indoors protected from the elements is the safest place to
be during a winter storm. Be sure to keep extra food and water on
hand, especially high energy food that requires no cooking or
refrigeration, such as dried fruit and canned goods. Keep a
non-electric can opener nearby.

Make sure to have medicine, first aid supplies and ample baby
supplies in case the storm persists.