East Coast Braces for Sandy

Washington, D.C. (October 26, 2012) ‘ With the threat of Hurricane Sandy hitting the East coast late this weekend and on through the early part of next week, the Energy Communications Council (ECC) reminds heating oil consumers about the importance of disaster preparation and safety tips to follow before, during and after a storm or flood.

Because water can damage your heating system, the right preparation for possible flooding can significantly help protect your family, your property, your business, and your heating equipment. ECC encourages homeowners and businesses relying on heating oil to remember the following tips:

Pre-flood Preparation

If you must evacuate, turn off the heating oil supply valve at the tank before flood waters rise.
If you must evacuate, turn off furnace or boiler emergency switch.

Post-flood Tips

If oilheat equipment has been flooded, be sure to shut off the tank service valve if you did not do so before evacuating. 
Look for any visible structural damage. If the tank has shifted, lines are bent or damaged, or you notice anything else unusual, contact your heating oil retailer immediately.
Damage to pumps, filters, and electronic controls is a significant problem caused by flooding. Heating oil appliances and equipment that have been underwater should be inspected by your professional retailer before being put back into service.

For more information regarding safety tips, contact your local heating oil dealer, your state or regional heating oil association, or visit www.heatingnews.org and www.oilheatamerica.com.

The ECC is comprised of the Delaware Valley Fuel Dealers’ Association, Empire State Petroleum Association, Massachusetts Oilheat Council, Oil Heat Comfort of Long Island, New York Oil Heating Association, Inc., and Vermont Fuel Dealers Association, and is funded by NORA.