Tips for coping with the cold

It's been yet another week of stormy weather, so we've rounded up a list of helpful tips for you.

Frozen pipes

To avoid frozen pipes, let water trickle overnight from indoor faucets served by exposed pipes.

Keep the heat set on at least 55 degrees. If your water pipes are not insulated, install pipe sleeves.

Outdoors, disconnect garden hoses. Drain and cover faucets.

Open cupboard doors under sinks on outside walls so pipes are exposed to inside heat.

If your pipes do freeze, it is best to call a licensed plumber.

If you try to thaw the frozen pipe yourself, be sure to take the following precautions:

• Do not use an open flame. You risk setting the home on fire, and overheating one area can cause the pipe to burst.

• Place a warm towel or rag around the pipe.

• Shut off the water valve to the frozen pipe.

• Keep the faucet of the frozen pipe open so water can flow out as it melts.

• Make sure you know the location of your master shut-off valve. The frozen pipe may already be broken and, when the water is thawed, it will leak. In this case, you will need to shut off the water in your home until the leaky pipe is fixed.

Staying warm and safe

Outages: Turn off most electrical devices, and unplug sensitive electrical equipment. Leave a light switched on, however, so you'll know when the power returns. Report the outage to the power company.

Power lines: Never handle or approach a downed power line.

Stay warm and dry: Dress in layers, and cover your head. Close off unused rooms. Close drapes to prevent drafts.

Lights: Candles pose a fire hazard, so use flashlights and other battery-powered lighting.

Generators: To avoid deadly carbon-monoxide poisoning, keep the generator outdoors when it's running. Make sure the exhaust is not near a window or other opening to the home. Keep the exhaust and muffler away from combustible material.

• Do not refuel the generator while it is running. Clean up spilled fuel before starting the generator.

• Do not plug the generator into a household outlet.

Other heat sources: Use only space heaters designed for the indoors — even those need to be adequately vented to avoid carbon-monoxide poisoning. Keep space heaters away from curtains and clothing. Always turn off the heaters before going to bed or leaving home.

For a fireplace, use only dry, seasoned wood or manufactured fire logs. Wood cut from fallen trees is too green to burn.

Never burn charcoal indoors. Charcoal produces toxic fumes that can kill quickly.

If you feel ill: Get fresh air and help right away if you feel sick or dizzy while using a generator or space heater. Fatigue, nausea or sleepiness are signs of carbon-monoxide poisoning.

Food: A refrigerator should keep food safely cold about four hours, if the door is not opened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed).

Discard perishables such as meat, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items after four hours or more without power.

Insurance and repairs

If your property is damaged by a storm, contact your insurance agent or company to file a claim immediately. Don't discard damaged items until they have been examined by your adjuster. You could miss out on coverage.

Document damage and take pictures.

Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage from rain or wind. Save receipts for reimbursement.

Use only licensed, reputable building contractors who have the proper permits. Call the state's contractor-registration line, 800-647-0982.

Avoid contractors who ask for a large deposit up front or bids that are remarkably low. This may indicate a willingness to cut corners or leave work unfinished.

Don't pay a lot for temporary repairs unless authorized by your insurance adjuster. You could get stuck with the bill if the repairs are deemed excessive.

Water damage

Electrical risk: If flood water is several inches deep or above the outlet line, turn off the power. If the circuit-breaker box is out of reach, call an electrician.

If the gas water heater's pilot light is out , call a plumber or gas utility to ask about relighting it or replacing submerged parts to avoid disaster.

Get your stuff out: Remove important possessions quickly to avoid mold and mildew.

Mop up: Clear indoor and outdoor drains. A wet vac can handle a couple of inches of standing water. Call a professional service to clean up deep standing water. Look in the Yellow Pages under Fire and Water Damage Restoration.

Use a disinfectant solution: Use hot water and soap to scrub floors, walls and other surfaces people are likely to touch. Then wipe with a disinfectant solution of 1 ounce of household bleach to 4 gallons of water. Open windows and doors, and allow everything inside to dry thoroughly. Do not occupy until 10 hours after drying is complete.

Air out: Open doors, windows, closets and storage spaces. Run fans and a dehumidifier.

Know when to leave: Never assume that water-damaged structures are safe; leave immediately if shifting or unusual noises occur.

Pets

Bring 'em in: Pets should be brought indoors during cold weather and taken out only when necessary.

Compiled by Seattle Times staff