SHORELINES

15 Shor e l i n e S | 2014 Vol :4 or basement. A well-insulated home can save up to 30 percent on your energy bill. • Check windows, crevices and doors for drafts and air leaks. Using weatherstripping and caulk is a cost- effective way to keep warm air from escaping during the winter (and cool air from escaping in the summer). • Wrap your electric water heater. Save energy by placing an insulating blanket around your electric water heater. These easy-to-install blankets are available at most home improvement or building supply stores. • Don't let your home's warmth go up your chimney. Be sure to close the flue when the fireplace is not in use. • Be a fan of the fan. A ceiling fan, switched to clockwise, circulates warmer air trapped near the ceiling. A small fan can also help distribute warm air around the room. WINTER STORM PREPAREDNESS In case of severe winter weather such as ice, snowstorms and freezes, taking steps in advance can help your family stay safe in case of an emergency. • Check your supplies of non- perishable foods and heating fuel and replenish if needed. • Charge cellphones and other electronic devices before the storm. • Have enough prescription medicine to last several days. • Make sure you have flashlights, a battery-powered radio and fresh batteries. • Ensure elderly family members or friends who live alone are prepared for the weather. WINTER STORM SAFETY In case of inclement winter weather, follow these safety tips: • If you use a portable generator, operate the unit outdoors in a well- ventilated, dry area away from air intakes to the home. Keep it protected from direct exposure to rain or snow. A good location is an open shed, under a canopy or a carport. Never use a portable generator indoors or in attached garages. Never plug a generator into a household wall outlet. Power from the generator can feed back into wires outside your home, creating a threat to repair crews. Plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy-duty outdoor- rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load. • Avoid opening refrigerators or freezers. Food will stay frozen in a fully loaded freezer for 36 to 48 hours if the door remains closed. If the freezer is half full, food will generally keep 24 hours. • Stay clear from areas where repair crews are working. • Stay away from downed lines. • In case of a power outage, call Alabama Power's Automated Outage Reporting System at 1-800-888- APCO (2726). It's the fastest and most effective way to report an outage. Alabamapower.com offers many resources and videos online. For more information on energy efficiency, visit alabamapower.com/tips. For more on storm safety, visit alabamapowernews. com/storm-center. — ALLISON WESTL AK E For more energy-saving tips, visit alabamapower.com/tips. Above: Photo by roB coyne — A winter day on Ten Island Park on Logan Martin Lake.

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