Creating a Home Heating Plan
An important part of preparing for winter is creating a comprehensive heating plan for you and your family. A good heating plan goes beyond getting a furnace tune up each year and addresses questions such as:

Is my primary heating source (furance, stove, etc..) going to be reliable this winter?
Will there be a good supply of the fuel (natural gas, wood, oil, etc..) that I will need this winter?
How can I reduce my expected energy useage?
How can I be prepared for an unexpected energy emergency?

Why is a heating plan necessary?
We should have learned from recent years that man made and natural disasters can and will cause unexpected tragedy. Being prepared for an emergency takes on special importance when temperatures are below freezing making it harder to get service or help in a timely manner.

Considerations for a heating plan
Emergency service phone numbers - Phone numbers for your local gas and electric companies as well as city emergency services posted near your phone(s).
Additional heating options - What will happen if the mainline that supplys natural gas to your city is ruptured and your furance relys on natural gas? Without a back up heat source the answer is obvious – you will get cold. Try to have two back up heating options if possible. One that makes use of available power sources such as Natural Gas, Electricity, etc.. and one that can be used in an emergency that has taken out all utilities. Small heaters/stoves can be purchased that will run on gas, oil, propane, wood, wood pellets and more. Having the ability to warm at least part of your home in a disaster may save your family discomfort as well as potential home repair costs from frozen pipes, etc..
Plan to reduce your energy need – By reducing your energy use you positively impact your heating bill, the local and national energy needs, and the enviornment. There are a number of options available to you some as simple as setting your thermostat lower or increasing the amount of insulation in your attic. Research options specific to your home and local climate and begin implementing them as soon as possible.
Prepare for the unexpected – Make sure you have an ample supply of items to help keep you warm in case of an emergency. Items such as:
Non perishable food
Bottled water
Extra blankets, gloves and coats for each member of the family
A generous supply of fuel for your back up heat source. (gas, wood, pellets, coal.)

Once you have a heating plan
Make certain that everyone in your home is aware of the plan, how they can reduce energy use and what to do if they are unable to use the default heating source. Also, pass on to those you know the importance of creating their own heating plan.