Winter-Ready Wisdom: Tips from The Kentridge Senior Living Plant Operations Director

As the Plant Operations Director at The Kentridge Senior Living. I know the importance of preparing the community and my home 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. Please be sure to clean your gutters and downspouts to make sure you get the proper drainage. Thus preventing ice dams that can damage your roof and walls when snow and ice accumulate. 

Check your heating system and replace the air filter. Consider scheduling a professional inspection to ensure it’s functioning efficiently and safely for the colder months. Insulate your home properly 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. 

To prepare for colder weather in the community, I change the furnace air filters on rooftops and resident apartment units. I verify that the furnace is ready by cleaning the burners and testing. 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. I want to be ready for whatever comes my way.

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!