PREPARING FOR WINTER CHILL
Stay safe and warm this winter
By Vivian LaMoore, Public Information Officer
The days are getting shorter, the air is feeling cooler, and pumpkin spice is still everywhere. All of these indicators point to the inevitable — winter will be here soon. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center predict El Niño will remain steady or increase in strength throughout the winter. El Niño and La Niña are climate patterns in the Pacific Ocean that can affect weather worldwide and also makes weather hard to predict. What does that mean for Minnesota? Around Mille Lacs, it is more than likely there will be cold and snow. Just how cold and how much snow remains to be seen. But there are a few things we can do to prepare for the cold temperatures ahead.
Oftentimes, colder weather means grabbing an extra blanket for sleeping, turning up the thermostat, switching on a space heater, or starting a fire in the fireplace. With the introduction of these heating elements (other than the extra blanket) comes a concern of carbon monoxide poisoning. This is especially true if cooking and heating units that burn fuel are not properly ventilated or malfunction. Take care of your carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to ensure they are in working order, along with your smoke alarms.
Band members can pick up a free CO alarm from any District Community Center or the Urban Office free of charge. Smoke alarms are available by request from Emergency Management. Please call Monte Fronk at 320-362-0435.
The Mille Lacs Band Housing Maintenance Weatherization Quality Control Inspector Lee Thompson suggested some tips Band members can use to help stay warm in the colder weather. "Fill the propane tank and remember to check it once a week. Order more propane when the tank is at 30 percent. If you are short on funds, apply for fuel assistance," Thompson said. The Mille Lacs Band energy assistance provider is Lakes and Pines; you may contact them at 320-679-1800.
Thompson said it is very important to apply for this state program even if you are on the Band's Elder energy program. "It could make you eligible for weatherization, another state program that can air seal, insulate, and evaluate mechanical systems," he said.
Cold weather tips to keep you warm and safe
• Service air exchanger, clean filters, and outside vents. For winter months set at 25 to 50 % humidity.
• Check weather stripping and latches on doors and windows. Replace where needed.
• Close storm windows if you have them.
• Disconnect garden hoses from wall hydrant.
• Clean gutters.
• Clean bathroom fans.
• Schedule a furnace tune-up or inspection.
• Replace the furnace filter on a regular basis.
• Clean the vents and ducts.
• Inspect the exhaust flue, ensuring it is clear of debris.
• Keep the area around the furnace free of clutter. Do not store flammables near the furnace or place the kitty litter pan near the furnace.
• Open all vents.
• Make sure your CO alarm is working properly.
Keep an eye on the stove!
Did you know the leading cause of structure fires in Minnesota last year was cooking? Cooking fires caused an average of $4.5 million in damage each of the last five years in Minnesota. The top two factors last year in cooking fires were unattended equipment and combustibles too close to a heat source. Accidents can occur at any time. But here are tips to prevent cooking fires, from the Minnesota Department of Safety:
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
• If you leave the room, turn off the stove and move the pan from the burner.
• Keep things that can burn — oven mitts, towels, and wooden spoons — three feet from the stove.
• If a fire starts, slide a tight-fitting lid on the pan and turn off the heat.
• Avoid loose-fitting clothing that can easily catch fire.
Remember fireplace safety
If you have a fireplace or a wood stove in your home, here are some tips to help keep your home fire-safe this winter, from the U.S. Fire Administration and FEMA:
• Make sure your smoke alarm is working properly.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from your fireplace or wood stove.
• Do not burn paper in your fireplace or wood stove.
• Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home.
• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.
• Put ashes in a metal container with a lid. Place the container outside, at least 10 feet from your home.
The Mille Lacs Band has a weatherization program for approved clients. Approval starts with filling out an application for fuel assistance with Lakes and Pines and requesting weatherization. For questions about weatherization, please call Lee Thompson at 320-630-7430 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For housing repair services during regular business hours, call 320-532-7448. For after-hours emergency housing repairs, please call 320-630-2498.