This winter seems to be a particularly cold one for a lot of the country, and you might feel like just wrapping yourself in a blanket and going into hibernation. Before you do, here are a few tips from the Federal Citizen Information Center, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Public-Private Fire Safety Council and the U.S. Department of Energy to help you save money on heating, use alternative ways to heat your home, and stay healthy this season:

• Winterproofing – Do you know how to check your heating ducts for costly leaks? Or that you can make fireplace logs out of old newspapers? Make sure you’re keeping warm with these quick tips and this energy saving guide.
• Tax breaks? Weatherizing your home might make you eligible for tax credits, free financial assistance and other incentives from the government.
• Avoiding the tow truck – Keep your car performing great with these winter car maintenance ideas, like keeping your tank full as often as possible in the winter to help keep your fuel line from freezing.
• Winter warnings – Learn how to handle extreme weather conditions before, during and after a storm, including how to safely wait out a long storm in your home or trapped in your car.
• Keeping healthy – Find out the latest on colds and the flu, and learn what to do if you think you might be experiencing the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), including extended depression, lingering lethargy, appetite changes and weight gain.
• Other ways to stay warm – Learn how to stay safe while heating your homewith fireplaces, space heaters and wood-burning stoves.

Whether you’re going to spend this chilly season inside or out, enjoy a safer and healthy winter with this help from the Federal Citizen Information Center.