November 24, 2023
As the Regional Director of Housekeeping at Vitalia North Olmsted, 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.
The activities I do to prepare for colder weather in the community are changing the furnace air filters on rooftop units and the resident apartment units. In addition, I ensure there is a supply of ice melt and shovels to keep entranceways and exits clear.
I ensure water hoses are off the spigots at home to prevent freezing, cover my outdoor furniture, blow out the irrigation system, and winterize the fountains.
The most significant benefit of preparing for cold weather is you can help prevent breakdowns and potential slips and falls.
A little time and money spent preparing for cold weather will pay 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!
VITALIA® North Olmsted in North Olmsted, OH 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. John West Shore with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Crusher’s Stadium, Crocker Park, North Olmsted Senior Center, North Olmsted Library, Bradley Woods Park (Cleveland Metro Parks), and Cleveland Zoo.
