Preparing for Winter Weather

Ready for Winter?

Winter is upon us. Please make sure you, your members, and your home are prepared to withstand the severe weather we will be experiencing. Below are some tips to use as a reference when preparing for the coming inclement weather and to manage once it lands in your region.

Best Practices:

Call our Service Line at 423-584-6454 immediately if you are experiencing issues with heat, a power outage, or suspect frozen pipes or a pipe burst. Remember, this line is monitored 24/7!

  • Work with your Operations Team to ensure snow removal service is in place and let them know if it is not.

  • Keep your cell phones charged as much as possible in case of a power outage.

  • Make sure your furniture is not blocking your home’s heating vents or radiators.

  • During cold spells, keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, particularly those in the kitchen and bathrooms.

  • When experiencing freezing temperatures, keep a slow drip of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated or unprotected spaces.

  • Keep the indoor temperature warm by keeping the thermostat at or above 65 degrees.

  • Fill the bathtub or have bottled water on hand.

    Sources: CSL Life Safety Team, CDC, and Nationwide Insurance

Safety Tips For Staying Indoors:

Listen to your NOAA Weather Radio or check The Weather Channel and weather.com frequently for weather updates and emergency information.

  • While space heaters are typically prohibited in chapter facilities, please consult with headquarters, local alumni(ae) housing advisors, and CSL before using any space heaters. If use is approved, please use extreme caution when using them due to heat shortages or outages. Always keep heaters at least a few feet away from anything flammable, such as drapes, bed sheets, or blankets. Never place them on top of furniture or near water.

  • Use of fireplaces, wood stoves, or other similar heaters should only occur if emergency heat is needed. Prior to operating such devices, please refer to your organization's and insurance provider's policy and consult with headquarters, local alumni(ae) housing advisors, and CSL. Ensure it is operable, adequately ventilated, and does not leak gas into your home's indoor air space. 

  • Do not utilize any type of BBQ grill or anything with an open flame indoors.

  • If you experience a power failure, use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns instead of candles whenever possible.

  • Wear warm clothing in multiple layers as needed.

  • Use bottled water if instructed by your local emergency management authorities.

Safety Tips For Going Outdoors:

When a winter storm or extreme cold threatens, you should avoid going outdoors unless necessary. If you must, however, always dress warmly and return indoors as soon as possible.

  • Wear multiple layers of clothing to stay warm, as well as a hat, scarf, mittens, a water-resistant jacket, and boots.

  • Ensure you stay as dry as possible, as water against the skin from wet clothing can chill the body quickly.

  • Don't ignore shivering. If you persistently shiver while you're outdoors, it's a sign that you need to return inside.

  • Avoid ice wherever possible. It's extremely easy to fall on ice-covered pavement, sidewalks, stairs, and curbs, and many winter weather injuries occur every year on icy surfaces like these.

Safety Tips for Travel:

If possible, avoid driving during a winter weather event, as even small amounts of snow and ice can make traveling on roads extremely dangerous. If you must drive, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Stay on main roads and highways, and stick to the flattest roads you can. Avoid hills and roads with sloping surfaces wherever possible.

  • Keep your gas tank full.

  • Drive only during daylight hours and avoid driving alone if you can.

  • Bring blankets with you to keep warm in case you become stranded. Also, bring bottled water or warm beverages to avoid becoming dehydrated.

  • Let someone know where you're going and when you're expected to return.

  • If a snowstorm or blizzard forces you to stop, pull off the highway, and turn on your hazard lights. If you have a distress flag or sticker, hang it from your radio antenna or apply it to your window. Remain in your car, where rescuers are most likely to find you.

  • If you become stranded for an extended time, run your engine for about 10 minutes every hour to stay warm. Open a window slightly for ventilation while the car is running to prevent any carbon monoxide buildup. Remove any snow that builds up on your car's exhaust pipe.

  • If you have to spend the night in your car, turn on the interior overhead light so rescuers or work crews can see you.

    Source: CSL Life Safety Team, The Weather Channel

The advice and information above is provided by CSL Management, LLC as a courtesy to inform its clients of recommended best practices in the subject matter addressed. CSL Management, LLC assumes no responsibility or liability for any damages arising from or related to its clients’ following or failing to follow such practices, and CSL Management, LLC assumes no responsibility to update this information.