NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — Temperatures are forecasted to drop below freezing in the upcoming days. Xcel Energy has been preparing for the extreme cold, and they're offering some tips to help people save energy and stay safe. The company will have additional field crews ready to quickly and safely restore power if there is an outage. Here are some tips to save energy and money during frigid temperatures: Lower the thermostat to 65-70 while home, and 58 when away Open drapes/blinds to get heat from direct sun, close at night to retain heat Run ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to push warm air down Make sure exterior doors/windows are fully closed and latched Keep interior doors open to circulate air more freely Change dirty furnace filters to promote airflow and reduce energy used Improve insulation of walls, crawl spaces, floors, and heating ducts Red No. 3 banned in food, drugs by the FDA You can find more tips or learn more about programs, incentives, and rebates here. Xcel Energy also encourages people who struggle to pay their bills to reach out to learn about payment plans or energy assistance programs. Here are some tips people can use to prepare and stay safe in the winter: Keep gas meters clear to avoid a build-up of pressure in gas lines and prevent gas from leaking inside. Use space heaters carefully to prevent fires — never leave them unattended and turn them off when leaving the room or sleeping. Maintain healthy air quality inside with a range hood while cooking and install carbon monoxide detectors. Stay away from downed or sagging power lines. Report it by calling 1(800) 895-1999. Build a home emergency kit with these items: Xcel Energy phone numbers — 1(800) 895-1999 (residential) 1(800) 481-4700 (business) Battery-powered radio or TV Flashlights Batteries Backup phone chargers Phone that does not need electricity Non-electric alarm clock Bottled water, nonperishable food Manual can opener First aid kit Extension cords (for partial outages) Manufacturer's instruction for opening power-operated doors manually Handle food safely, and keep doors closed to maintain temperature. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW