Preparing Ourselves for the Upcoming Winter

By Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell

	A poorly caulked window.  A gap above a door.  Thin attic insulation.  Each of these may seem like small and fairly insignificant problems around the house, but these can be very costly to our senior citizens and those on fixed incomes.  These conditions can lead to higher energy prices for everyone due to the escape of heat.  There is also a high susceptibility for seniors and infants to extreme cold which can lead to illness and in some cases death.  We are rapidly approaching winter in Missouri, and we must prepare ourselves for the upcoming season.

	While we are unable to control what weather we will face this winter, we can prepare our homes through weatherization.  These preparations and structural repairs generally consist of relatively low-cost, easy improvements to older dwellings.  Repairs such as caulking and weather-stripping around windows and doors, more insulation in ceilings and crawl spaces, and installing storm windows can be extremely helpful. As Missouri's elderly advocate, I have a strong commitment to increasing the pace of weatherization for senior citizens and disadvantaged Missourians.

	The benefits of this are easily demonstrated in the case of a disabled woman on a fixed income whose December gas bill cost $600. She had a rusted out furnace, poor window caulking, virtually no attic insulation, and two doors that had gaps over an inch in width.  After an audit revealed the house was losing excessive amounts of heat, her home was weatherized.  They installed a new furnace, provided insulation, caulked the windows, and replaced the doors.  The next month her gas bill dropped to $120, an amount that she could afford. To contact your Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program you can call 1-800-361-4827 or access the program on the web at http://www.dnr.state.mo.us/energy/weatherization/wxagencies.htm. 
The economic savings these repairs make are dramatic. Eighty-nine percent of households who have previously received fuel assistance do not require continued fuel assistance after their homes have been weatherized.  Unfortunately many in our state continue to need fuel assistance. 

 	As of November 1, utility providers cannot disconnect service to individuals due to inability to pay during these winter months. It is also possible for seniors and low-income citizens to take advantage of the bill payment plans that these companies provide.  Additionally, LIHEAP (Missouri's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps pay heating bills for Missourians who qualify for assistance. To determine if you or a family member qualify, call 1-800-392-1261 or contact your local Missouri Division of Family Services office.

	Winter is rapidly approaching, but we can take steps to ensure these months are remembered for warm holiday and New Year memories instead of those of bitter cold.  Weatherization provides more than energy efficiency and lower costs, as it is protection from the harsh effects of cold weather.  I urge everyone to not only make these preparations in their own home, but also to check with elderly and disabled family members, friends, and neighbors to ensure that their homes are ready as well.  Together we can work to help all Missourians be prepared for the upcoming winter.