Skip to Main Content
Building Safety Journal Logo

Building Safety Journal - International Code Council

Main Menu

Menu

      • June, 2025 Articles
      • May, 2025 Articles
      • April, 2025 Articles
      • March, 2025 Articles
      • February, 2025 Articles
      • January, 2025 Articles
      • 2025 Articles
      • 2024 Articles
      • Deep Dives
      • Member News
      • Personal Perspectives
      • Quick Hits
      • Technical Topics
      • Press Releases
      • Sponsored Content
      • View All
      • Buildings, Construction, Architecture/Design
      • Fire, Wildland-Urban Interface
      • Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Pools/Spas
      • Energy, Solar, Green, Sustainability
      • Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, Resiliency
  • Subscribe
    • ICC Family of Solutions
    • ICCSafe
    • myICC
    • Digital Codes
    • cdpACCESS
    • Store
    • Support

Join today!

Keep up-to-date on crucial industry news, innovative training and expert technical advice with a free subscription to the award-winning Building Safety Journal.

Subscribe

Sign In or Register Here

Provide your email address
Provide your password
Answer the math challenge
Please enter your e-mail address below. We will email you a link to reset your password.
Provide your email address
Answer the math challenge
To complete your registration, please verify your email address.
Answer the math challenge

We have emailed the address you provided. Please click the link in the email to confirm your email address.

Your account has been marked for password reset. Please change your password.
Provide your new password
Verify your new password
Answer the math challenge 7 minus three

Only registered ICC members have access to this article at this time.

Explore all the benefits that ICC Membership has to offer and become a member today to gain access to this exciting content.

If you're already an ICC member Sign In Now.

Can We Help?

  • Reset My Password
  • I Need More Help

Winterizing your home ahead of hazardous storms and cold weather

January 21st, 2021
by De’Antre Woodland
  • Deep Dives

Stay safe and healthy this winter by preparing your home ahead of hazardous winter storms. Extremely cold temperatures can be dangerous and you just may need to be in your home more than usual. Be sure to check on your peers, especially older adults, as we all do our best to cope with winter and the hazardous conditions it can bring. Each season has its dangers, and winter is no different. The International Code Council offers a comprehensive list of tips and preparations you can make at home and when traveling to make sure you have a safe winter.

Surviving weather conditions is no “walk in the park” but if you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you are more likely to stay safe and healthy when conditions do become dangerous. Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us still may not be ready for its arrival. You’ll need to prepare for power outages and outdoor activities. 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months: 

  • Winterize your home.
  • Install weather stripping, insulation and storm windows.
  • Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
  • Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
  • Check your heating systems.
  • Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly and ventilated to the outside.
  • Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
  • Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
  • If you do not have a working smoke detector, install one. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year.
  • Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning emergencies.
  • Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check or change the battery when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.
  • Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
  • Heat your home safely.
  • If you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater, be extremely careful.
  • Turning on the stove for heat is not safe; have at least one of the following heat sources in case the power goes out: extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter coats, or a fireplace that is up to code with plenty of dry firewood or a gas log fireplace.
  • Use fireplaces, wood stoves or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak gas from the flue or exhaust into the indoor air space.
  • Have your heating system serviced by a qualified technician every year.
  • Keep a water supply.

With the cold season approaching, businesses also need to remember, safety first, when creating outdoor spaces. The Code Council publication Considerations for Converting
Outdoor Spaces into Temporary Seating Spaces
 focuses on considerations and guidelines for business owners and designers as we leverage through a pandemic in the winter.

By following safety precautions, one will be prepared for even the coldest winter Mother Nature has to offer.

About the Author
De’Antre Woodland
De'Antre Woodland is the communications assistant at the International Code Council. He provides support to the Communications department, including assistance in social media, media research, website content and updates, press releases, articles, and maintenance and development of media and periodicals distribution lists.
Submissions
Check out upcoming BSJ topics and send us articles for consideration:
Or send by email

Want to advertise in the BSJ?
Click Here

Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin

  • 25 24862 MTS CLE BSJ WAD 270X270 FINAL
  • 25 24651 TRN WDS BSJ BSJW WAD 270x270 FINAL a
  • 25 24699 PD TRN SKGA Sub Plan BSJ WAD FINAL 270 x 270 2
  • 24 23932 CORP MEM Online Community 270x270 WAD FINAL 1
  • ICC Updated Ad 270 x 270 px 1
International Code Council
International Code Council
International Code Council
International Code Council

Subscribe to the Building Safety Journal

Subscribe

Connect with Us

  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • X
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

ICC Family of Solutions

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Us
  • Accessibility Policy
0EaRM99g_61mVLLc7fnQaI8BLDB1WDRJ4GDU_VrEHyA=.html