November 21, 2023
As the Plant Operations Director at Cedar Trails Senior Living, I know the importance of having the community and my home ready for the cold winter weather. To prepare your house for winter weather, start by inspecting and sealing any gaps or cracks in doors, windows, and walls to prevent drafts and conserve heat. Be sure to clean your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage, thus preventing ice dams that can damage your roof and walls when snow and ice accumulate.
Check your heating system, replace air filters, or schedule a professional inspection to ensure it’s functioning efficiently and safely for the colder months. Insulate your home correctly by adding weatherstripping to doors and windows, and consider adding insulation to your attic and walls to retain heat and lower energy bills. Don’t forget also to prepare your outdoor spaces – drain and store garden hoses, cover outdoor furniture, and trim tree branches that could damage your home during winter storms.
My activities to prepare for colder weather in the community include spreading salt on the sidewalks, putting up freeze warning signs, and draining freeze-prone pipes. This is also a suitable time to invest in good weed-killer spray.
The benefit of preparing for colder weather is it reduces the possibility of people getting hurt and equipment being damaged.
A little time and money spent preparing for cold weather will pay off great dividends through energy savings. There is no way to stop “Old Man Winter” from arriving at your door, but with some preparation, he’ll stay outside where he belongs!
Cedar Trails Senior Living in Freeburg, IL offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near St. Elizabeth’s Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers, including The Orchards Golf Club, Target, Eckerts Belleville Farm, Braeutigam Orchards, and the Belle Clair fairgrounds & Expo Center.