Central Oregonians urged to prepare homes for coming winter
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- As winter approaches, the cold once again brings familiar challenges for Central Oregonians. Getting ready now, experts say, can help you avoid costly repairs, keep your family warm, and ensure a safer season ahead.
Winter weather is arriving across the region, bringing freezing temperatures that can quickly take a toll on homes and health. To best protect both, preparation is key.
One of the first steps: service your heating system before the first hard freeze. Scheduling an inspection early can catch small issues before they become expensive emergencies.
“A big common problem I see is not preemptively turning your heat on,” said Ryan Baird, project manager at Severson Plumbing and Heating. “That’s a big one—just to see if it works before it gets cold outside. Changing the air filter is a really big one. Or a water filter. All of a sudden you’ve got no water flow. Your filter will prolong the life of your system. Filters, filters, filters. Really.”
Even modest improvements can make a noticeable difference, like sealing drafty windows and doors or upgrading insulation to improve heat retention and energy efficiency.
When it comes to plumbing, Baird said the main goal is to prevent pipes from freezing. “You want to block your crawlspace vents on the outside—you know those vents? Get all those blocks put in all the way around the crawlspace vent,” he explained. “You want to blow out irrigation lines. If you’re not going to be at the house, keep the cabinets open. Set your thermostat to a minimum of 55 to keep the house at an ambient temperature. When you open the cabinets, you get that warm air circulating, which helps stop freeze breaks.”
While keeping homes in working order is vital, health officials remind residents that cold weather brings its own set of risks. Hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide poisoning can all pose serious danger during the winter months.
“Injuries such as frostbite and hypothermia are the obvious ones linked to winter weather,” said Jonathan Modie, spokesperson for the Oregon Health Authority. “Carbon monoxide poisoning can be another concern when people try to heat or warm themselves in unsafe ways during the colder months.”
For Central Oregonians—especially those living in rural areas—staying prepared for potential power outages is equally important. Officials recommend keeping two weeks’ worth of food, water, and essential medications on hand, as well as a flashlight and a backup heat source.
“The big thing is to make sure that you have a plan,” Modie said. “There are a number of winter hazards that the Oregon Health Authority is concerned about, and all of them can be reduced or prevented if you have a plan in place.”
From weatherproofing windows to testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, taking small steps now can ensure a warm, safe, and comfortable season ahead.
