As temperatures drop across central Indiana, utility officials and state agencies are urging Indianapolis residents to prepare their homes for the cold months ahead.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security says Winter Severe Weather Awareness Week is designed to remind Hoosiers that early preparation helps reduce heating costs and prevent winter damage.
According to AES Indiana — which serves more than 500,000 customers — winter storms often lead to “higher energy usage,” and the utility is encouraging residents to “plan ahead” before severe weather arrives. In its winter readiness guidance, AES Indiana said sealing air leaks, improving insulation and servicing HVAC systems can significantly reduce household strain when temperatures plunge.
Draft reduction is one of the most effective steps. AES Indiana advises homeowners to weather-strip doors, caulk window gaps and install plastic window kits to help warm air stay inside. The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor also recommends checking attic insulation and sealing areas around basements or crawl spaces where warm air frequently escapes.
Roof and gutter maintenance is another priority. In a seasonal advisory, Harbert Roofing & Construction in Indianapolis said that homeowners should clear gutters, inspect shingles and make sure downspouts carry water away from the foundation to prevent ice dams and winter flooding.
Protecting plumbing is essential as well. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security warns that frozen pipes can burst without warning and urges residents to disconnect outdoor hoses, insulate exposed pipes and let faucets drip during extreme cold.
Because heavy snow and ice can lead to outages, AES Indiana also encourages households to assemble a winter emergency kit containing flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food and necessary medications. The utility says residents should be prepared to shelter in place if power is disrupted during a major storm.
For many Indianapolis residents — especially those living in older homes — these steps can reduce costly repairs and ensure safety during severe winter weather. And with Indiana’s pattern of unpredictable winter conditions, officials say preparation remains the best protection.
Winterizing checklist for Indianapolis residents
- Seal gaps around windows and doors using weather-stripping or caulk
- Install plastic window film to help retain heat
- Check attic, basement and crawl space insulation for weak spots
- Clear gutters and make sure downspouts move water away from the foundation
- Inspect roof shingles and siding for damage before snow and ice accumulate
- Disconnect outdoor hoses and insulate exposed indoor pipes
- Allow faucets to drip during extreme cold to prevent freezing
- Replace furnace filters and schedule HVAC maintenance
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Prepare a winter emergency kit with food, water, medications and flashlights
- Keep drapes open during sunny hours and closed at night to help with temperature control
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
