I spent several years living in a frat house. There was at least one year that we had no heat and were too lazy to fix it. Instead we all had individual space heaters in our room and basically wore our winter coats everywhere we went. I remember eating dinner while wearing mittens once. I know what you're thinking, "He meant to say 'gloves.' Nope .. mittens. Don't let that happen to you!
Mayor Menino Issues No Heat Advisory
Encourages Residents to Prepare for Cold Weather
Mayor
Thomas M. Menino and the Inspectional Services Department today issued a
reminder to Boston residents to prepare for frigid temperatures by
making homes weather tight, and ensuring heating systems are running
properly and adequately fueled. In the month of December, Inspectional
Services received 129 “no heat” calls.
“As
temperatures drop in Boston, we’re encouraging residents, landlords and
property managers to be proactive in servicing their home plumbing and
heating systems,” Mayor Menino said. “We’re also asking neighbors to
look out for one another, and to take appropriate safety measures to
prepare for the cold. Our 24-hour hotline is always on hand to help with
any concerns residents may have.”
As
residents brace for winter weather, Inspectional Services encourages
both property owners and tenants to prepare by doing the following:
Service Your Plumbing and Heating Systems:
Planned Repairs Are Cheaper Than Emergency Repairs
- Make sure your heating systems are up to code and working properly - minimize the chances of them breaking down
- Do not run out of fuel, try to keep no less than a quarter tank of oil
- Keep service plan handy in case of emergency
- Property owners should have an emergency list of contractors(electrician, plumber and general contractor)
Heat Your Home, Not Outdoors:
Keep the Cold Out
- Close and secure all storm windows and doors
- Install door guards on all exterior doorways
- Apply weather stripping to windows and doors
- Properly insulate all pipes exposed to cold temperatures
- Cover vents
- Disconnect water hose and wrap or cover exposed spigot
- Caulk or putty windows
- Ensure kitchen and bathroom dampers close properly
According
to the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, landlords and property
managers must supply functioning heating systems from September 15
through June 15. During this time the temperature of units must be
maintained at 68 degrees during the day (7 a.m.to 11 p.m.) and 64 degrees in the evening (11:01 p.m. to 6:59 a.m.).
Tenants
experiencing problems with heating systems should contact a landlord or
property manager immediately. If they are unresponsive, tenants should
contact the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) at
617-635-5300 to file a complaint. Complaints made outside normal business hours should be called into the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at
617-635-4500.
In
partnership with MassSave, NSTAR and National Grid, Renew Boston
provides no-cost energy assessments and 75% off – up to $2,000 – on
qualified insulation improvements for households in 1-4 unit buildings.
There are no income qualifications and renters and landlords are
encouraged to participate. Those interested in learning more about the
program should call 617-635-SAVE. For more information regarding home heating regulations log onto:
http://www.cityofboston.gov/isd/housing/pdfs/winter.pdf.
City
emergency management organizations have compiled a list of personal and
home safety tips for cold weather preparation, available at
www.cityofboston.gov/cold.
The site also acts as a central location for residents filing service
requests for cold-weather related issues, including insufficient heat,
gas or electric problems, smoke and carbon monoxide detector
inspections, and reporting oil truck issues.
The
Elderly Commission reminds residents to check on their elderly
neighbors. Boston seniors can also take advantage of Senior Shuttle
service for any transportation needs. Additional information is
available by calling the Elderly Commission at
617-635-4366.
The City's Shelter Commission asks that any resident who sees a
potential medical emergency involving a homeless person dial 9-1-1.
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