Record breaking low temps and heavy snow are bearing down on most of us and we just wanted to let you know some important home and personal safety precautions. Extreme cold temperatures pose a challenge to physical structures themselves, as pipes may freeze and heating systems are continuously running:

• To avoid frozen pipes, keep water running at a trickle. Open cabinet doors to sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage.
• Keep thermostats at the same temperature, day and night.
• Use a glass or metal screen with a fireplace to catch sparks and rolling logs.
• Never use a generator inside a home, including in the basement or the garage.

With wind chills making it feel even colder, you should also take note of the following health and wellness tips, too:

• Limit activity outside and take pets indoors — as pets can also develop frostbite and hypothermia.
• For those that go outside, multiple layers of lightweight clothing are recommended by the Red Cross — as well as hats, mittens, gloves and a scarf to protect your lungs
• People should also be on the lookout for early signs of frostbite, as the very young and the very old are most susceptible.
• Those with limited blood circulation are also at an increased risk for developing frostbite.
• To warm up hands and feet, it is best to use body heat or warm water. Holding your hands over an open flame is not advised.
• If you aren't able to warm up after half an hour or so, seek medical attention immediately.
• In addition to frostbite, look out for signs of hypothermia, which include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, drowsiness and exhaustion.
• Do not forget to check on family, friends and neighbors who may be at risk and in need of additional assistance during the heavy snow and freezing cold.
• When traveling keep a full tank of gas and an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle —including warm clothing.

We hope everyone keeps safe and warm during these polar conditions.

Rest assured, our team is working around the clock — whatever the weather — to make sure that your heating system keeps doing everything it needs for you stay warm and comfortable at home.