Growing up in northwest Iowa in the 1970’s and 80’s I experienced many long winters in a big drafty farmhouse. I remember fighting with my siblings over who got to stand on the heat grates to warm up and bundling up in the cold upstairs at bedtime. Homes today are much better insulated and energy efficient but there are still steps you can take with your residence to save energy costs and keep your family warm and safe this winter. Even though the cold has already hit, it’s never too late to take these steps to prepare for winter.
Here are some great tips from the folks at Ready.gov:
- Insulate walls and attics
- Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
- Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
- Insulate any water lines that run along outer walls. This will make water less likely to freeze.
- Service snow-removal equipment.
- Have chimney and flue inspected.
- Install easy-to-read outdoor thermometer.
- Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm.
For more in depth information on preparing your home, car, and more for the winter, visit the Ready.gov information pages.
Here are some additional resources for keeping your family safe and warm during the long Midwest winter:
- www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm
- emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/beforestorm/supplylists.asp
- m.fema.gov/before-winter-storms-extreme-cold
Happy Winter!!!
contributed by Jill Jensen, former AnswerLine Specialist
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North Shore, thank you for the positive feedback.