Tips To Conserve Energy and Stay Safe

Winter Storm Uri hit harder than most could have anticipated and many have been left without power and heat days. IVMF wanted to share a few tips from newsnotnoise.com to help anyone who has been affected by this storm. If you are in Texas we have outlined a few specific resources available to you.
1
 Set your thermostat to 68F or lower.
2
 Lower the maximum temperature on your water heater to 120F.
3
 Open blinds and curtains during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your space, then close blinds and curtains in the evening.
4
 Close off rooms you’re not using. Try to choose one main room to inhabit
5
 Use towels to block drafts
6
 Avoid using large appliances, including electric kettles. If you must, stagger usage so they’re not all on at the same time.
7
 If you must, wash clothes on cold. Only run dishwasher if it’s full, and use a toaster oven rather than regular oven if you have one.
8
 Unplug nonessential appliances and lighting.
9
 Do not operate a generator inside your house – keep it at least 30 feet away.
10
 Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
11
 Eat and drink — food provides energy to warm the body. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
12
 Keep faucets dripping to avoid freezing pipes
13
 Leave cabinets under bathroom and kitchen sinks open
14
 Check in on neighbors flying solo, especially the elderly.
15
 Charge electric vehicles off peak
16
 How to layer clothes for warmth: 1. Base layer (sweat wicking fabric) 2. Insulating layer (something fluffy/thick to retain heat) 3. Outter layer (shell-like. Shields from wind or rain)
17
Wear layers of wool, silk, thermal wicking. Make sure your neck is covered.
18
 Use heavy duty tape to insulate your windows and doors from drafts
19
 Put a lantern by a mirror to increase brightness
20
 When wearing layers avoid cotton, and too many layers. Sweat will make you colder.
21
 If you’ve lost heat, move into one room, if you have a fireplace use that room, cut off other rooms and concentrate efforts there.
22
 Tents are made of material that keeps heat in, set up a tent in the warmest room in your home and sleep inside. (Do not light candles inside)
23
 Concentrate all people to one “warm” room. Use extra blankets or sheets to block off open door frames, hallways, windows, open concept areas that can’t otherwise be closed off.
24
 Please, under no circumstances start your car in your garage to stay warm.
25
 If you must use candles, be safe! Place tea lights in mason jars to guard flame. Place on flat, clear surface. Light in place, do not walk around w flame.
26
 Do NOT use a grill inside, either for heat or for cooking. Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning!
27
 Collect buckets of snow to melt for toilet flushing
28
 Don’t run a fireplace 24/7. Seek guidance from experts on safe use
29
 Scarves (especially Infiniti ones) can make a really big difference in your warmth.
30
 Your car might be the warmest place during the day, especially if there’s sun.
31
 If you don’t have a tent, place blankets over a table and sleep under it, like a tent, it will keep body heat in
32
 Wearing a hat can keep considerable amounts of heat in
33
 If pets get cold put socks on their feet or any clothng you have that will fit them
34
 Throw dirty clothes on the floor to insulate
35
 Bubble wrap on windows creates a kind of double insulation