Boston Public Schools are closed Thursday morning. The MBTA is afraid of trains turning into chunks of ice. It’s cold outside, Boston. It’s negative-degree-weather cold. Temperatures as low as these can be dangerous for your morning commute, your apartment and your health. From the warmth of our pajamas and layers of blankets, we’re hitting you with some tips for keeping heated.
If you’re vents or baseboard heaters are spewing chilly air instead of hot, you’ve got a legitimate complaint to take up with your landlord. September 15 officially marked the beginning of the “heating season” which means property owners must provide the ability for one to heat their living space to at least 68 degrees between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. and 64 degrees between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
The following tips, courtesy of the City of Boston, are useful for not only staying balmy but also for keeping your apartment energy efficient:
- Disconnect water hose from the home
- Wrap or cover exposed spigot
- Caulk or putty windows
- Ensure kitchen and bathroom dampers close properly
- Close all storm windows and doors
- Apply weather stripping
- Properly insulate all pipes that are exposed
- Cover vents
If you plan on braving the weather and heading outside, it goes without saying you should bundle up. But there are plenty of choices, some of the next-generation variety, you could opt for to keep the cold out. Some utilize smart technologies, others do not have to be L.L. Bean. Check out this list of alternatives for purchasing warm clothes. Keep your head on a swivel, frostbite is a real concern. According to NECN, it could occur as quickly as 30-minutes on non-covered body parts.
If you’re gearing up for a commute, make sure your car is in good shape. Go fill your gas tanks so your lines don’t freeze while you’re working. Make sure it’s at least half full. Massachusetts suggests you carry a winter emergency car kit “including blankets, extra clothing, flashlight with spare batteries, a can and waterproof matches (to melt snow for drinking water) non-perishable foods, windshield scraper, shovel, sand, towrope and jumper cables.”
Did we miss something? Feel free to leave us your own tips and suggestions in the comments section below.
