Urban Air Quality Checklist During Winter Storms

Winter storms can significantly impact indoor air quality, leading to potential health risks. Understanding and implementing safety measures is crucial to protect your family and home during these events.

1. How Can Winter Storms Affect Indoor Air Quality?

During winter storms, extreme cold and icy conditions can lead to burst pipes, trap harmful pollutants indoors, and cause power outages. These factors can degrade indoor air quality, posing health risks to occupants. (epa.gov)

2. What Are the Essential Preparations for Winter Weather?

• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: Test alarms monthly and replace batteries annually. Ensure alarms are installed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. For CO alarms, place them outside each sleeping area and on every level. Interconnect alarms so that when one sounds, they all sound. Choose alarms with battery backup in case of power outages. (epa.gov)

• Wood-Burning Appliances: Burn only dry, seasoned wood to maintain a hot fire with less smoke. Have a certified technician inspect and service your wood-burning appliance, chimney, and vent annually. Consider upgrading to an efficient, EPA-approved wood-burning appliance. (epa.gov)

• Prevent Water Damage and Mold: Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls to prevent freezing. Shut off and drain outdoor spigots before freezing temperatures arrive. Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts during severe winter weather. Control moisture in your home to help prevent mold. (epa.gov)

3. How Should You Stay Safe During and After a Winter Storm?

• Clear Snow and Ice: Remove snow and ice from outside furnace, stove, fireplace, radon, and dryer vents to prevent the buildup of indoor pollutants, including carbon monoxide. Never warm up your car in a garage. (epa.gov)

• Power Outages: Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns instead of candles to reduce fire risk. Do not use fuel-powered portable generators indoors; place them outside and at least 20 feet away from buildings. Do not use a generator or appliances if they are wet or in locations that could become wet. Do not try to heat your home using combustion appliances, including gas stoves or ovens, or barbecue grills. Never operate any gas-burning heater or other appliance in a poorly vented or closed room, or where you are sleeping. (epa.gov)

• Safely Heat Your Home: Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Place space heaters on a solid, flat surface, keeping them at least 3 feet from things that can burn, such as drapes, furniture, and bedding. Check your space heater for cracked or damaged cords and plugs. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and don’t use an extension cord or power strips. Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. (epa.gov)

4. How Can You Prevent Water Damage and Mold?

• Prevent Frozen Pipes: Leave indoor water taps on exterior walls slightly open so they drip continuously. Don’t set the indoor temperature too low. Open cabinet doors to allow warmer air to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or near an outer wall. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children and pets. Shut off water valves if a pipe bursts. Do not thaw frozen pipes with a torch. Thaw them slowly with warm air from an electric hair dryer. (epa.gov)

5. How Can You Prevent Hypothermia and Frostbite?

• Protect Vulnerable Individuals: Look after those at greater risk from extreme cold, including infants, children, and older adults. Know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite and the appropriate responses. (epa.gov)

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safer and healthier indoor environment during winter storms.

Highlights:

• Winter Weather and Indoor Air Quality | US EPA, Published on Tuesday, December 16
• Snow and Ice | US EPA, Published on Wednesday, October 29