Submitted by Franchesca Jones, SN Housing
Continued from the November 28th issue:
Prepare for Winter Weather:
Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. If you are unable to afford your heating costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.
The 2025-26 HEAP Benefit opens November 17, 2025. Eligibility is based on income, household size, the primary heating source, and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older or permanently disabled.
Protect the Pipes
Frozen pipes can burst during the winter and cause major problems for homeowners. Here are some things you can do to avoid this wintertime nightmare:
- Know the location of your main water shutoff so that you can access it quickly in an emergency.
- Drain the water from outdoor sprinkler systems and garden hoses. Disconnect garden hoses from faucets and store them in a garage or shed. Cover the faucets.
- Fix or replace any broken windows so that cold air can’t get into a room and freeze pipes, particularly in the basement.
- Walk the perimeter of your home and close off any other vents that you might have opened during the warmer weather.
TIP: If you’re going to be away from your home during the winter, be sure to keep your thermostat set to about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. A programmable thermostat makes it easy to keep your house at the right temperature so that your pipes won’t freeze.
For any assistance, please call:
Seneca Nation Housing Department
(716) 532-5000 – Cattaraugus
(716) 945-1290 – Allegany
