Indianapolis Office of Sustainability Shares Winter Weather Best Practices

How to prepare efficiently and economically for a season of cold temperatures

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability is spreading the word about the risks of extreme cold and individual actions you can take to keep warm during the dark days of winter. Part of the office's mission is to empower residents to be more resilient in the face of a changing climate.

Residents are reminded that Indy Parks facilities and Indianapolis Public Library locations are available for residents to keep warm in indoor, heated spaces. Visitors are to practice social distancing and proper hygiene during their visit and are encouraged to wear facial coverings--check each organization's website for open hours.

Here are twelve individual actions you can take to help keep warm while maximizing energy efficiency:

  • Use natural lighting whenever possible. Open curtains/blinds to let the sun in during cold days.

  • Close windows when the heat is on, and keep curtains/blinds closed at night to prevent cold chills from cooling your home.

  • Turn your thermostat down before you leave or go to bed to reduce energy consumption while you're away or asleep.

  • Check external doors, windows, attics, basements, electrical outlets, light fixtures, AC units, and gaps in insulation for air leaks and drafts. Caulking and weatherstripping will usually pay for themselves in energy savings within a year.

  • If you use a fireplace, keep your damper closed whenever you aren't using it. If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.

  • Change your furnace filter according to operating instructions to help your furnace work more efficiently.

  • Set the temperature on your water heater thermostat a few degrees cooler.

  • Set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise, which will move warm air down toward you and into the rest of the room.

  • Switch your residential and holiday lights to LED, the most energy-efficient lighting option.

  • Close doors and vents in unused rooms to prevent paying to heat uninhabited space.

  • Take precautions to ensure you are heating your home safely and that you have a working carbon monoxide detector. Misuse of heating equipment (fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters, candles, charcoal or gas grills) can lead to fire or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

  • Check your local news for winter weather warnings so you can prepare yourself and your family in advance.


If you or a loved one are having trouble paying utility bills or could benefit from rebates available for long-term energy efficient improvements made in your home, consider the various financial assistance program available to you. Citizens Energy Group's Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation is a local nonprofit helping Hoosier families maintain utility service. AES Indiana offers an income-based federally funded Energy Assistance Program, an income-based Winter Assistance Fund, and a Power of Change emergency relief fund.

Cold-related deaths are preventable. Visit Indy.Gov for a list of winter driving tips, essential items for an emergency road kit, tips for bicycling in winter, and guidance for parking during a snow storm. The City also provides a comprehensive list of snow removal safety tips for shoveling driveways and sidewalks.

The Indianapolis Fire Department reminds residents to #KeepItSafeINDY with winter freeze, holiday, heating, generator, Christmas tree, candle, and more safety tips available at Indy.Gov.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's Emergency Management Bureau also reminds residents of the risks and signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

If you or a loved one experience symptoms of frostbite (numbness, waxy-feeling skin, and/or a white or gray colored area of skin), place the affected area next to a warm part of your body, like an armpit, and seek emergency help immediately. If you or a loved one experience symptoms of hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature, shivering, confusion, exhaustion, memory loss, slurred speech, and/or drowsiness), seek a warm indoor area immediately, drink warm beverages, and take a warm bath.

Cold safety tips include:

  • If you work outside, stay hydrated. Dress in layers of lightweight clothing, and wear a hat, gloves or mittens, and thick socks.

  • Water is the best beverage to stay hydrated. Remember that alcohol and caffeine lead to dehydration.

  • Bring pets indoors and ensure they have plenty of water to drink. Report dogs left outside for extended periods utilizing the RequestIndy website or mobile app, calling the Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4622 or the police non-emergency line at 317-327-3811.

  • Check on your neighbors and loved ones, especially the elderly and those with disabilities.

Lindsay Trameri