Winter Storm Echo Is Here!
Winter Storm Echo has been pummeling the Salt Lake City area since late Sunday night, and a winter storm warning remains in effect for northern Utah through 9 PM MST on Tuesday, December 15th. This massive storm is predicted to dump 8 to 14 inches of snow on the area, causing hazardous driving conditions and slow commutes.
This storm may already be upon us, but there are still things you can do to keep you and your family safe and warm no matter what winter throws your way.
Staying Safe & Warm During a Winter Storm
When winter is bearing down outside your door, the best thing you can do is stay put; however if you do need to go out, it’s best to be prepared. Make sure there is a basic emergency kit in your car, and leave early enough to allow yourself some extra time to reach your destination.
At home, you should ideally check and maintain your heating system prior to the arrival of a major storm, but sometimes things get overlooked or put off. If you haven’t already done so, take a peek at your furnace filter, and replace it if it’s dirty or if it hasn’t been replaced recently. A dirty filter decreases your furnace’s efficiency and puts it at a higher risk of break down.
If you heat with wood or propane or you have a pellet stove, check to make sure you have enough fuel, and weather permitting, get more if necessary. You never want to run out in the middle of a major storm when it may be difficult to go out or for a delivery driver to reach you.
What to Do if Your Heat Goes Out
If you have electric heat and the power goes out or if your furnace decides to die at the most inopportune time keeping yourself and your family warm is important, but you should never attempt to do so in a manner that risks their safety.
Never use any type of heater that is intended only for outdoor or camping use inside your home. These devices can give off carbon monoxide, an odorless but deadly gas. If you have electricity and you plan on using electric space heaters, make sure they are designed for indoor use. Follow the instructions carefully, and never place them near anything flammable. Don’t overload your outlets or use extension cords to place heaters throughout your home.
Don’t rely on candles to heat your home. In addition to the obvious fire hazard, the use of an excessive number of candles could potentially contribute to breathing problems as the result of chemicals that can be given off when burning.
Heating Repair in Salt Lake City
If your heat is out in Salt Lake City or the surrounding areas, trust Neerings Plumbing & Heating for your furnace repair needs. We offer 24/7 on-call service, and we will get you up and running again as quickly as possible. Even if you make it through Winter Storm Echo unscathed, you may want to consider giving us a call to inspect your home’s heating system and make sure you are prepared for any future storms that may pop up.
We know it’s a bit premature, but we want to offer you an early Christmas present to help you get through this storm: $75 off any service.
You may also want to consider investing in a backup home generator, especially if you use electricity to heat your home. At Neerings Plumbing & Heating, we can help you choose the one that will best suit your needs.
To learn more or to schedule service, please give us a call now at 801-467-3951.