As the weather warms up, Clean Energy Columbus is highlighting a local program to help your home stay efficient and sharing key tips to prepare for severe weather.
The Home Weatherization Assistance Program
IMPACT’s Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) aims to provide home energy conservation assistance to households across Franklin County, regardless of zip code. The program is open to homeowners, renters, and mobile home residents earning at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. Find out if you qualify here.
Qualified households may receive attic and exterior wall insulation, duct, pipe, and floor insulation, performance efficiency and safety tests, energy conservation tips, and heating unit maintenance, repair, and replacement. For more information, email weatherization@impactca.org.
Between October to December 2024, HWAP weatherized six homes, including one rental and five owned homes, in the following zip codes: 43203, 43206, 43207, 43219.
Tips to Prepare for Severe Weather
As summer approaches, the frequency of severe weather events increases, and Ohio saw a record-breaking number of severe storms and tornadoes in 2024. You can prepare for these events with the following tips:
- Planning Ahead: Know which severe weather events are common and develop an emergency plan. Ohio is most affected by severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and heat waves.
- Staying Informed: Learn how your community issues warnings and monitor local weather updates.
- Handling Heat Waves: Make sure to apply sunscreen, stay hydrated, and stay out of direct sunlight. Ensure your AC is tuned and working properly.
- Power Outage Prep: Keep freezers/refrigerators closed to maintain a safe temperature for food inside. Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home, and check for heating and cooling locations near you.
- Emergency Kit: Assemble a basic emergency kit with essentials like bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit.
How to Join CEC
Interest in joining? You can sign up anytime here or call AEP Energy at 877-726-0214 to check eligibility and enroll. Take the first step towards a sustainable future!