Homeland security urges home winterization

A sign on the door to the Indiana Memorial Union lobby reads, “Keep our building warm. Use Revolving Door.”

Unfortunately, most houses and dorms do not have that option.
Preparing for the upcoming winter season requires some effort to keep a home warm and a wallet full.

The Indianapolis Division of Homeland Security designated Nov. 11-17 as “Winter Weather Week.”

To help Hoosiers prepare for winter, the DHS provided a few tips to keep costs down and the heat up.

Heating a home should only be done with the thermostat. Never use the oven or stove to heat the room, the DHS suggests. Also, drying clothes in the oven or on a space heater could start a fire.

Sealing leaks, whether in a dorm room or an apartment, will stop any cold air from entering and may help reduce the cost of wasted, escaping heat. Checking under doorways and windows, and caulking any visible spaces, could prevent any cold air from entering, according to the DHS.

“If light is seen through doorways, then there is a gap,” said John Hewett, program manager of Bloomington’s Housing and Neighborhood Development department. “Also, make sure to latch properly wooden windows.”

Hewett also recommends having a personal thermometer.

Properly using a thermometer can help save money and lower heating bills. A thermometer can be set and checked frequently to individual preference, Hewett said.
Adhering to weather signals is important for preparing the house. The DHS lists seven warnings to listen for once winter hits.

Winter storm watch warnings and weather advisories warn of foul weather that may lead to life-threatening situations. Blizzard, ice storm and wind chill warnings could signal strong winds and damaging conditions. The wind chill advisory warns of hazardous temperatures, according to the DHS guidelines.

As Thanksgiving and holiday break approach, Hewett said turning off the heat in an empty house could cause serious damage.

“If a cold snap comes when people leave, the cold weather could cause water pipe leaks and destroy the drywall of a house,” he said. “If leaving for the holidays, people should keep the temperature at a low temp.”  
 
— Jessica Campbell