[Sandy]

Sign up for your local buy nothing group. People may have extra heaters or something that would help

[Kathryn]

I also live in NE Ohio. Growing up my parents often has their gas and electric off for extended periods of time. This is on the gas website: $175 reconnection.

There are also different programs that can help you, and legally they have to turn the gas on during the winter from what I remember.

[Michele]

Cover windows with plastic or blankets, wrap pipes in insulation and keep farthest tap dripping ti keep water moving. Electric heat, get a wood stove with chimney?

Close off rooms not in use with no water in them like spare bedroom, or have kids sleep in living room. Heat area that you are using. Cook with your oven ti warm up a little.

Keep warm with layers and block any drafts. Staple plastic over drafts or fill with caulking or even rags.

I ve seen people wrap outside of old house, until they can insulate. Extra layer of carpet will help and wear slippers or shoes, hats keep your heat in. Call for assistance in your area.

Visit food bank and thrift for things you need, as to have money for bills. Ceramic heaters are not expensive and are safe.

I put any heater on a cookie sheet far away from anything fabric. You don’t want a blanket to accidentally fall on it

[Mary]

How cold is it? Snowfall doesn’t necessarily mean freezing weather. If your pipes are inside a basement, they’ll be fine.

[Adaly]

Are you low income? In Michigan there is a program for low income families to prevent shut off in the winter.

Also, the Salvation Army will help with utility bills, but you must have a shut off notice in order to qualify.

[Tommy]

Are they allowed to shut off gas to people when it’s that cold outside?

[Laura]

I’m also in north east Ohio. Have you looked into financial assistance through the gas company or 411?

I know I’ve gotten behind on my gas bill before and they usually work with you on payment options.

[Karen]

I’m in north central Ohio. If you have access to your pipes you can wrap them with heat tape, leave your cabinet doors open & let the water drip a little.

Can you get an electric heater to tide you over.

We’re using an electric heater in our house right now (waiting for furnace to be fixed).

[Jeannie]

Contact local government for assistance or reach out to local churches. You don’t have to be a member of church to receive assistance

[William]

If it actually gets really cold (enough to freeze), you need to shut off your water and drain the lines from the lowest point.

Which might be your hot water tank. Drain toilet tanks. Plunge bowls and add rv antifreeze to traps.

I doubt it’s going to be that cold yet

[Sandy]

Heat tape. Wrap pipes.. let water drip from faucets.Turn water supply off to commodes and washing machine.

[Jamie]

I would suggest contacting your local churches or job and family services. Most churches have programs to help people in need. Can you sign up for PIPP?

They can help stop disconnect and reconnect and put you on a income driven plan.

HEAP is another program for electric or gas help.

[Lisa]

You can put RV antifreeze in the toilet tanks so they don’t freeze and break. Shut the water off to the toilet. Flush the toilet a couple times till water is all gone.

Use an old towel or something disposable to get the rest of the water out.

Put a couple gallons RV antifreeze in the toilet tank.

There are also videos on winterizing toilets on YouTube, those guys may be more experienced than I am.

[Patricia]

The gas bill should have info on how to get help if you can’t pay. Ditto the water bill

[Sarah]

Also, in NE Ohio. Please call 211 if you have not already; they are there to help!

[Author]

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