They make a living keeping people warm but even veteran local heating oil delivery drivers can’t believe the latest cold snap.
“I’ve never seen it stay this cold for so many days,” said Josh Walsh, manager at John’s Oil. The Lynn company has been making 70 to 80 deliveries during the cold spell, a 40 percent increase in demand, he said.
Making deliveries in Arctic temperatures is a challenge with drivers finding frozen frozen fuel caps and broken pipes at homes. On top of that, icy roads and hills have made deliveries difficult.
Walsh recommended that people turn thermostats down to avoid burning through fuel too quickly.
“Put a sweatshirt on,” he said.
Many customers use an automatic delivery plan, in which companies keep track of oil usage and deliver automatically as needed. The other option is will-call delivery, in which customers keep track of their own tank and call ahead when necessary.
Dina Marchetti of Angelo’s Oil said the Saugus business has been attracting customers who find the smaller oil companies they have used during other winters are swamped with delivery calls. She urged oil users to get tanks refilled before oil levels drop too low.
“Set a reminder on your phone,” Marchetti said, advising people to check their fuel tank every so often, so that they know to call when the fuel gets too low.
Rhonda Zero of Stadium Oil Heat recommended that customers call their oil company when their tank gauge reads a quarter full.
Bob Walsh of Walsh’s Oil, said increased demand during freezing weather hits Lynn residents hard, with many people struggling to pay heating bills. He recommended people in need of fuel assistance take advantage of local programs, including Lynn Economic Opportunity (LEO) in addition to several other assistance programs.
Marchetti also advised people to help out oil delivery drivers by clearing a path in their driveways, in order to make the delivery as smooth as possible.
While many people rely on oil companies to stay warm, it will take effort on both sides in order to survive the winter together.
