Winter weather and storms can make life challenging. Roads, sidewalks, and homes may become dangerous, and power outages can happen. Preparing for these challenges not only ensures your safety, but also helps you conserve energy when it matters most.

We've created this guide to help you stay safe and use less electricity during cold weather.

How can I best prepare for winter weather and storms?

Winter weather conditions can change quickly, so be sure to check the forecast before venturing out. Winter storm safety starts with preparing for the season. Here are several tips to help:

• Drive for wintery roads. When possible, avoid any unnecessary travel. But if you must go out, make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for the weather ahead. Prepare your car with essentials like snow chains or traction devices, and make sure your windshield and entire vehicle are clear of snow and ice.
• Locate valve shutoffs. Know the location of the shutoff valves for electricity, gas, and water. If you are familiar with these locations, you can avoid complications during emergencies.
• Watch for slippery sidewalks. Falling on icy sidewalks is one of the leading causes of injuries following a winter storm. Make sure you have non-slip footwear with good traction to stay steady.
• Weatherproof your home. Caulking and weatherstripping are easy DIY fixes to keep cold drafts out and warmth in. More on this below!

What should I do if the power goes out and it gets cold?

Power outages during winter can be distressing, especially as temperatures dip below freezing. Stay warm and safe with these simple steps:

• Bundle up for extra warmth. Dress in layers, use thick blankets, and close unused rooms to retain heat in one area.
• Leverage natural sunlight. Keep curtains open during the day to allow sunlight to warm your home, and close them at night to trap heat inside.
• Never use generators or barbecues indoors. Carbon monoxide from these devices can be deadly. Keep them outside and away from windows.
• Use flashlights and battery-powered lights. Avoid open flames for safety, and make sure to have extra batteries on hand.

By planning and following these safety precautions with planning, you can stay prepared for any winter weather.

How can I save electricity during winter?

Seattle City Light is a winter-peaking utility. This means that we use the most electricity during this time of year. But there are effective ways to optimize your electricity use and lower your bills without sacrificing comfort.

1. Fine-Tune Your Heating System: Focus your heating by lowering the heat by a few degrees to save energy. Also, close off vents and unused rooms to concentrate warmth where it's needed most.

2. Improve Home Insulation: Keeping the cold outside and the warmth inside is key to energy efficiency:

• Seal drafts around windows, doors, and other openings and with caulking or weatherstripping.
• Add insulation, if possible, in attics, walls, or floors to enhance heat retention.
• Install heavier or insulated thermal curtains to help block the chill from windows, especially at night.

3. Use sunlight: Sunlight is a free and effective heat source, so take advantage of it! Maximize daylight by keeping window coverings open during sunny hours. Once the sun sets, close the curtains to keep in the accumulated warmth.

4. Use space heaters wisely: Here are the key tips for using space heaters:

• Choose heaters with automatic shut-off and tip-over protection.
• Keep heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials and place them on stable, flat surfaces.
• Never leave heaters unattended and always turn them off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Plug heaters directly into wall outlets and inspect power cords for damage.
• Use a space heater only when necessary - it can cost you $1 every 3 hours, which adds up!

5. Reduce standby power: Even when turned off, many devices still consume energy in standby mode. Unplug chargers, TVs, and other electronics when not in use, and use power strips so you can easily switch off many devices at once.

6. Maintain your heating system: A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, helping you save energy.

• Clean or replace filters regularly to ensure better airflow and improved performance.
• Schedule yearly inspections to address any inefficiencies or issues with your furnace or boiler system.

7. Adjust habits and layer up: Take shorter showers to conserve both water and power! Plus, wear layers, like cozy holiday sweaters and blankets, to reducethe need for constant heating.

Being prepared for winter storms and power outages can protect your household and lower your energy use. Stay safe and warm this winter!

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