Winter Weather Fuel Delivery Tips
Ensure Safety for Your Family—and Ours!
While we may have seen a mild start to the season, there’s plenty of time for nasty winter weather to put the Hudson Valley in midst of a deep freeze. When you’re on the automatic delivery program, you don’t have to worry about running out of heating oil or propane, no matter what Mother Nature brings. We’ll watch the weather—alongside your prior usage patterns—to make sure always have the fuel you need before you run low.
But there are ways you can make deliveries easier for our drivers, both before and after big storms, so they can get their work done efficiently and safely and get to everyone quickly.
Keep these tips in mind to help us, help you during the chilly winter months here in New York!
Winter Storm Preparedness Tips
- Be sure the path to your tank’s fill pipe is free of debris and branches and clear a path about a foot wide immediately after a snowfall.
- Is your tank underground? Marking its location with a pole topped with a bright-colored flag or wide ribbon makes it visible over snowbanks and drifts.
- When clearing your driveway after snow, keep in mind that our trucks need a 9- to 10-foot-wide path to maneuver safely—and WE CANNOT DELIVER FUEL IF YOUR DRIVEWAY ISN’T PLOWED.
- Be sure vents are not blocked by snow, ice, or fallen leaves, as your heating system won’t work effectively. It also increases the risk of carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
- After a storm, check for downed trees, branches, and power lines that may obstruct access to your equipment.
Protect Your Family
Winter storms can damage lines and block vents, resulting in potentially dangerous situations for your home and family.
- Be aware of propane leaks. You’ll know it by the rotten-egg smell of propane gas. Small propane leaks can be created or made worse by storms. If you use propane in your home, you and your family should brush up on propane safety and know what to do if you suspect a leak.
- Keep areas around vents clear. Removing debris like leaves and maintaining a wide space around them makes clearing snow and ice easier after storms.
- Test your carbon monoxide detectors. With windows shut tight and the heat on high, winter is the most dangerous time when it comes to carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations and change batteries if needed.
- Charge your devices. When bad weather is in the forecast, make sure your phones, laptops, and tablets are fully charged—especially if you live in a neighborhood prone to outages. If you have portable chargers, charge those as well.
No matter what Mother Nature throws our way this winter, rest assured Depew Energy is always working to make sure your Hudson Valley home and family are warm, comfortable, and safe. If you have questions or want information about fuel deliveries, equipment upgrades, service, or repairs, contact us anytime through our website—or give us a call! We’ll be happy to help.
