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Cold weather is coming, so now is a good time to ask ourselves if we are prepared for winter weather. There are some things you can do to prepare your home, your car and your expenses before the first storm hits.
A nice summer can quickly erase memories of a harsh winter. But the freezing temperatures, snow-packed roads and whiteout conditions are all just around the corner.
"We're a cold, snowy state, so you better believe people are going to think about using alternative heat sources," said Susan Thomas, spokeswoman for the Salt Lake Chapter of The American Red Cross.
With winter comes turning up the heat, and that usually means more money. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, 79 percent of Americans are concerned about rising heating costs.
Nearly half of those households will use alternative heat sources like space heaters, stoves and fireplaces. The association also reports that one-third of people with fireplaces report never cleaning or inspecting their chimney.
Last year, the Red Cross responded to more than 130 disasters, mostly fires caused by cooking or heating. "A space heater, candles [or] wood stoves often cause those fires. So, we just want people to be so careful," Thomas said.
Many gas heating companies, like Questar, offer budget plans to lessen the load during winter. But If you do choose to save money by using an alternative heat source, keep it 3 feet away from anything flammable and get it inspected.
"Make sure the cord is good. Make sure it's a good heater, that it's good and functioning well. One of the most important things is: don't leave it on when you're not in the room," Thomas explained.
You can't forget about car safety in the cold either. Most shops recommend you come in for a pre-winter inspection, which includes checking your battery, tires, fluids and windshield wipers.
"That's always one of those things that, until you're using them, you don't think about them. Then it's like, ‘Oh, I should've had those taken care of,'" car technician Lyman Johnson said.
Better safe than sorry.
If you're concerned about your heater, you can always take it to a local fire station to make sure it's safe. For a list of inspectors who will come out to your home, click the related link to the right of the story.
You can also find a link for more information on Questar's Budget Plan to the right of this story.
E-mail: ngonzales@ksl.com
