Winter Preparedness and Energy Saving Tips

Winter in Ohio can bring anything from sunshine and mild temperatures to overcast skies and snowfall. Be prepared for whatever winter brings with the following tips for your family, home and auto.

Know The Terms

Winter Storm Warning

Meaning: Hazardous weather is imminent

Includes heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet. Issued 12-24 hours before an event

Winter Storm Watch

Possibility of severe weather

Includes blizzards, heavy snow or freezing rain and sleet. Issued 12-48 hours before an event

Winter Weather Advisory

Accumulation expected

Includes snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and sleet that could lead to life-threatening situations

For the Family

Stay Safe

Install a carbon monoxide detector and replace the batteries in your smoke detector. Only use generators and grills outdoors, and never heat your home with a gas stove or oven. Wear layers if you plan to be outside, and limit your time outdoors based on weather conditions. Be mindful of overexertion when shoveling snow or walking outdoors.

Learn The Signs

Both frostbite and hypothermia can happen quickly when cold temperatures combine with moisture in the air.

Signs of frostbite include numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin usually in the toes, fingers or face.

Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness.

If you see any of these signs, get to a warm area immediately. For frostbite, soak in warm, not hot, water. Do not massage the affected area. For hypothermia, dry the affected area and wrap in warm blankets. Warm the body first, but also remember to warm the head and neck.

For the Home

Open The Shades Or Curtains

Taking advantage of the sunshine could help naturally heat your home during the colder months, especially if you have south-facing windows. Make sure to close them at night to keep the chill out.

Cover The Drafts

If your windows are older or drafty, consider covering them with a plastic film tightly secured to your window frame. This will help keep the draft out while allowing sunlight in. You can also install thermal drapes or shades to help with the drafts.

Seal The Leaks

Even in newer homes, cold air can leak through cracks and openings. Seal gaps around pipes, chimneys and door frames with caulk or weatherstripping. Seal leaks to reduce air leaks. Read the label carefully to ensure you use the correct type of sealer.

Adjust The Temperature

Most modern thermostats have program settings that can be automatically adjusted throughout the day and night. Lower the temperature when you are not home and in the evenings when you are cozy under the covers. Smart thermostats can also help reduce electric bills. Visit page 18 for information on Westerville’s Smart Thermostat opportunity. You can also save energy by ensuring your water heater is set at 120 degrees, which will save money and avoid scalding.

Maintain Your System

You can reduce heating costs by scheduling routine service maintenance for your furnace and regularly replacing filters. Cleaning warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, or radiators will also help de-stress your furnace. Keep furniture and curtains away from heat sources to improve the heating ability of your home.

Homeowners with a fireplace should also plan to schedule maintenance services—regular fireplace maintenance results in improved airflow and cleaner combustion.

For the Auto

Inspect Your Vehicle

As the temperature drops, so does your tire inflation pressure, so continually check this throughout the season. If your car is having trouble starting, check your battery. In the colder months, it takes more battery power to start your car. It would also be beneficial to replace your windshield wipers to ensure they can handle ice and snow and check your lights and coolant. Schedule winter maintenance with a local auto shop to ensure your car is ready for the temperature change and the roads.

Prepare For Emergencies

Pack an emergency kit and store it in your trunk for common winter-related issues. Supplies should include:

Snow shovel and scraper for ice and packed snow

Kitty litter or sand to help move stuck tires

Jumper cables, flashlight, flares or emergency markers

Blankets, water and food

Portable charger for use with cell phone and car battery

Fill the Tank or Charge It

You never know what could happen when driving during the winter. Whether preparing to travel or just running across town, make sure your gas tank is full or your car is fully charged.

Let Someone Know

It is always good to let someone know where you are going, when you are leaving and the route you are traveling. This information can help someone locate you if you do not arrive at your destination at your scheduled time.

If you remember these signs, signals and steps, you and your family are sure to enjoy the winter season.