Winter Ready DC

Be ready for winter weather
Always have the following supplies on-hand to be prepared for a major snowstorm or power outage.

✓ Snow shovel
✓ Rock salt, snow melt, or sand
✓ Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
✓ Cell phone and portable charger
✓ Non-perishable food (3-day supply) and a manual can opener
✓ Portable space heater or kerosene heater
✓ Flashlight with extra batteries
✓ Family communication plan
✓ Extra blankets
✓ First-aid kit
✓ Extra water (3-day supply)
✓ Prescription medication (consult with your doctor about storing medicine)
✓ Cash

Reduce energy costs
✓ Review and compare previous bills to monitor energy usage
✓ Sign up for an online account with Pepco and/or Washington Gas for a more detailed accounting of your energy usage
✓ Browse offers to switch your electric supplier using DC Power Connect
✓ Apply for discount programs (e.g., LIHEAP, UDP, WAP) from the District Department of Energy & Environment
✓ Hire a professional auditor or conduct a DIY energy audit
✓ Use a programmable thermostat to lower temperatures at night or when you leave home
✓ Caulk windows and weather-strip doors
✓ Switch screens to storm windows
✓ Turn off water supply to outside faucets
✓ Disconnect garden hoses outside faucets and drain the hose before you store them
✓ Drain exterior water faucets of water in the line
✓ Use an insulated cover for the outside faucet

 

Prepare your home
Exterior
✓ Have roof inspection for missing or loose shingles
✓ Inspect for clean gutters and downspouts
✓ Make sure any paints or flammable materials are stored away from heat sources
✓ Make sure you know where the shut-off switch is for water, gas and electric

Interior
✓ If you have a propane or oil furnace, make sure to have your fuel storage tank topped off and ready to go
✓ Have heating system checked
✓ Flush water heater and check for signs of leakage
✓ Clean or replace air filters (monthly)
✓ Clear obstacles to heating vents so air can freely flow
✓ Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
✓ Charge the battery backup for landline telephones
✓ If you have a chimney, check and clear of any nests from birds, squirrels, or other animals
✓ Cover draughty windows with plastic
✓ Clean dryer filter regularly
✓ Find and eliminate any leaks or gaps using caulking and/or weather stripping
✓ If you have a fireplace, remember to close the damper when it’s not in use
✓ If you use electric space heaters, purchase a unit with automatic shut-off
✓ Eliminate drafts under the door by using draft stopper(s)
✓ If you have ceiling fans, run them in reverse
✓ Cover draughty windows with plastic
✓ In older homes, insulate the attic
✓ Use energy efficient light bulbs
✓ Put caulk plates around outlets
✓ Insulate pipes