Town of Clayton offers tips to best handle cold weather

Submitted by Town of Clayton

CLAYTON — To help the community stay safe and manage their energy use, both the Clayton Fire Department and Utility Customer Service Department are offering valuable tips to battle the cold this winter.

The Clayton Fire Department emphasizes the importance of fire safety during the winter months as heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths and injuries.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires with space heaters involved in 40 percent of these incidents.

To help prevent fire hazards, the Clayton Fire Department recommends the following tips:

Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, such as fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators or space heaters.

Monitor Heating Equipment: Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended; always turn them off before leaving the room or going to bed.

Install Smoke Alarms: Make sure smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test them monthly to confirm they are functioning properly.

Service Heating Systems: Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional to ensure safe operation.

Residents are also urged to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by properly ventilating fuel burning appliances and using CO alarms.

The Clayton Utility Customer Service Department is also sharing practical advice for keeping homes warm and utility bills under control during cold weather. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating accounts for nearly 50 percent of home energy expenses during the winter months.

Here are some tips to help reduce energy consumption and maintain a cozy home while managing costs:

Seal Leaks: Weatherstrip doors and windows to prevent drafts, which can save up to an estimated $400 a year.

Insulate the Home: Insulating attics, basements and crawl spaces can prevent heat from escaping, keeping your home warmer and reducing the workload on your heating system.

Set Thermostats: Keep the thermostat at 68 while at home and lower it when sleeping or away. Following the "7-10 rule," which suggests lowering your thermostat by seven to 10 degrees for at least eight hours a day, can lead to annual savings of about 10 percent on energy bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Heat Efficiently:

Limit the use of portable heaters as they can be costly. The U.S. Department of Energy reports a typical 1500-watt space heater, operated for eight hours per day, can add nearly $40 to a monthly bill.

"We encourage residents to use energy wisely during this cold snap," said Utility Customer Service Department Director Ann Game. "As temperatures drop, it's natural for energy use to increase, and many are concerned about higher bills. By following these simple measures, residents can stay comfortable while keeping energy costs in check."

To find the latest updates and more information on safety tips and cold weather preparation, visit the Town of Clayton's official website at townofclaytonnc.org.