“There are places that still give out blankets, like Mission Pointe Church downtown,” Osborn stated, adding, “please remember to point out the danger of folks getting around the lack of heating oil by buying electric heaters, causing some recent fires.”

Tips for improving the energy efficiency of your home:

• Visit a local hardware or building supply store to get weatherproofing advice.

• Caulking and weather stripping are easy to install and fairly inexpensive, as is insulation that wraps around exposed pipes.

• Purchase a water-heater blanket that wraps around your water heater and keeps it from activating as often by keeping the temperature inside the heater from dropping as quickly.

• Contact your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) dealer to request a home inspection.

• Take advantage of a free energy audit from your power company to learn ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

• Add thermal or other blankets to the bed to compensate for cooler temperatures at night.

• Install storm windows or double-pane windows, or purchase an easy to install window-insulation kit.

• Check to make sure your home has adequate insulation.

• Instead of turning up the heat, put on additional clothing.