Take advantage of available resources to stay warm and safe this winter season.

Important Phone Numbers

• If you are a tenant, and the heat isn't working, or doesn't heat to 68° (day) or 64° (night), call the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department at 617-635-5322. The City also has a 24-hour 'No Heat' response team that you can contact at 617-635-4500.



• If you want to apply for financial assistance with heating bills, call ABCD at 617-357-6012.



• For concerns regarding elderly residents, call the Elderly Commission at 617-635-4366



• If you have a complaint about your oil dealer's service, call the Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing at 617-635-3834.



• View a complete list of Emergency Phone Numbers.

Informational Publications

• Download the Storm Guide.



• Review ISD's Home Heating Guidelines for ways to save energy and money during the winter months.



• Information is available for elderly residents in the Elderly Commission's A Message for Older Adults in both English and Spanish.



• For concerns regarding homeless individuals, download Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Response from the Emergency Shelter Commission.



• Read the Cold Weather Do's and Dont's from Boston Emergency Medical Services for tips on staying healthy during winter.



• The Cold Weather Safety Reminders from the Boston Fire Department provides information to help you stay safe while heating your home.



• For landlord/tenant concerns, download The Good Neighbors Handbook: Boston's Guide for Landlords and Tenants from the Rental Housing Resource Center (go to the Utilities & Basic Services section for information on heat).

Storm Safety Tips

• Avoid driving during a severe winter storm.
  
  
• Shovel sidewalks abutting your residence and business. Sidewalks should be passable within three hours after a snowstorm.
  
  
• Don't shovel snow into the roadway. While shoveling out cars, pile snow behind or in front of the vehicle, or at the edge of the sidewalk.
  
  
• Avoid shoveling if you are elderly or have a heart condition.
  
  
• Shovel out fire hydrants, catch basins, ramps, and curbs on your street.
  
  
• Check on elderly or handicapped neighbors.
  
  

Household Hints

• In case of a power outage, stock up on batteries, flashlights, and canned goods. Keep refrigerators closed as much as possible. Food will stay fresh between 36-48 hours in a full fridge; 24 hours in a half-filled one.
  
  
• To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning in your home, have your furnace and chimney cleaned and inspected yearly by a professional, regardless of the fuel source.
  
  
• When a storm is predicted, check your oil tank to ensure that you have enough oil to get through the storm.
  
  
• Keep a battery-operated radio,extra medicine, blankets, and bottled water on hand.
  
  
• If power is lost, unplug all appliances except one lamp to prevent damage caused by a power surge.
  
  
• To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning in your car, make sure you have proper ventilation and that the exhaust pipe is free of debris.