Be Prepared: Extreme Cold Could Be On The Way!

We’ve had a mild winter so far here in the North Shore, but that could change drastically as a polar vortex descends on North America in the coming weeks.

With the potential for extreme cold on the way, here are some key reminders for the days and weeks ahead:

1. Make sure you have enough fuel. A heating oil furnace could use as much as eight or nine gallons of oil a day to keep you warm, especially in single digit or negative temperatures. In other words, the colder it gets, the fast you will use fuel – so please don’t wait until the last minute to order heating oil. Schedule your fill-up when your tank is no less than one-quarter full.
2. Help us deliver to as many customers as possible. Please clear at least an 18” path to your heating oil fill pipe, including any surfaces (driveways, walkways, etc.) that lead to it. If you have scheduled a heating oil delivery, be sure that someone is home or accessible by phone on delivery day, that all gates are unlocked, and that pets are secured.
3. Mind your space heater safety. If you use supplemental heaters (fireplaces, space heaters, etc.), please keep the following in mind:
   • Keep children, pets and things that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
   • Never leave a fireplace or space heater unattended; turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
   • Always place portable space heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface – never on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes.
   • If your space heater is a direct vent model, make sure vents are cleared after a significant snowfall to prevent exhaust gases from entering your home.
   • Never use an outdoor heating or cooking appliance to heat your home.
   • If possible, have all heating equipment inspected and serviced if you haven’t done it already this season.
   • Check batteries and test all CO detectors, if you haven’t already.

Stay safe and warm with heating oil from Lombardi Energy & Gas this winter. Contact us today to learn more about heating oil deliveries and heating oil system service in Newburyport, MA and nearby communities!