How to Prepare Your Home for the Winter

The weather is getting cooler which means we are getting closer to the winter months. As you think about shopping for new winter coats and mittens, here are a few ways you should consider preparing your home for winter, too. 

1. Clean out your gutters

If you don’t have gutter guards, by the first snowfall your gutters may be full of leaves. This can cause ice dams and could make it difficult to drain snow properly.  

2. Check your smoke detectors

From cooking holiday dinners to setting up lights and trees, residential fires are common during the winter months. Take some time to check your smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly. 

3. Keep it cozy

Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and check for drafts in doors and windows. This will help you save on energy costs throughout the winter. 

If you still feel the need to crank up the heat, make sure the family is wearing warm pajamas and socks in the home. Also, don’t forget to grab some extra blankets!

AT IMPACT, we help income-eligible Ohioans that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected, or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel in their tank maintain their utility service through our Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (HEAP Winter Crisis Program),

This program runs from November 1 until May 1. Ohio households, serviced by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio-regulated utility, must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) or another payment plan in order to receive emergency benefits.

If you or someone you know is struggling with paying their utilities this winter, please do not hesitate to contact us by visiting impactca.org or call 614-246-0019 to make an appointment. 

Upon scheduling your appointment, here are all of the items you will need to bring with you:

• Picture I.D.

• Social Security cards for all household members.

• Proof of Citizenship or Proof of Legal Resident/Qualified Alien (may use social security card).

• Proof of all income for the past 30 days or (in some cases) twelve months must be presented at the time of application for all household members, except wage income earned by dependent minors under the age of 18.

• The gas and electric bill, regardless of status and/or your bulk fuel invoice or bill.

• If disabled, you must submit proof of disability.

• Seasonal/self-employment needs proof of 12 months of income.

• If you are required to make a copayment, you must bring verification of that payment.

• If your AEP electric service is off and a reconnection fee is needed, you will need a receipt to show you paid the reconnection fee.