Heading South for the Winter? Make Sure Your Home is Ready.

If you’re planning to escape the cold and spend the winter months in a warmer climate, it’s important to make sure your home is properly prepared before you go. A little planning now can prevent unexpected issues, protect your property, and help you save energy while you’re away.

Whether you’re gone for a few weeks or several months, use the tips below to keep your home safe, energy-efficient, and worry-free.

And if you’ll be away for an extended period, be sure to complete our Snowbirds Information Form, located at the bottom of the page or in paper copy here. This ensures we have your updated contact details, so your bills and important notices reach you on time—helping you avoid delays or missed communications. Return filled out form to Owatonna Public Utilities or email to customerservice@owatonnautilities.com.

Tips for Snowbirds Before You Head South 

  1. Set your thermostat properly. Keep your home at 55-60°F to prevent frozen pipes and protect your heating system.
  2. Unplug small appliances. Reduce fire risk and save energy by unplugging electronics, lamps, and kitchen gadgets.
  3. Turn off the water (if possible). If you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, consider shutting off the main water supply and draining pipes to prevent freezing.
  4.  Arrange for someone to check your home. A trusted friend, neighbor, or property manager should check inside periodically for leaks, heat issues, or signs of forced entry.

5. Protect your pipes. Open cabinet doors under sinks and insulate exposed pipes, especially near exterior walls.

6. Clear gutters and downspouts. This prevents ice dams and reduces the chance of water damage while you’re away.

7. If someone will be checking on your home, ask them to keep exhaust vents and the gas meter clear of snow and ice. Make sure the meter remains accessible for safe operation and emergency access.

8. Inspect your basement sump pump. Getting your sump pump inspected is a good idea to ensure it is ready to handle any water in your basement while you’re gone.

9. Forward your mail. Use USPS forwarding or pause deliveries that could pile up and signal you’re away.

10. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Install fresh batteries and test all alarms before leaving.

11. Secure windows and doors. Close blinds, lock all entry points, and remove spare keys left outside.

12. Turn off your water heater. Save on energy costs and prevent potential issues by turning off your water heater before you leave.

13. Stay connected to your usage. Using Smarthub, OPU customers can monitor their gas, electric, and water usage from anywhere. AMI meters provide 15-minute intervals for electric usage and hourly intervals for water and gas. This allows you to spot unusual activity, even from states away!

Snowbird Form

Owatonna Public Utilities knows many of our customers head to warmer climates during the winter months. If you’re one of them, now is the perfect time to complete your annual “snowbird” notification. This form lets us send your utility bill to your temporary address and ensures we have your most up-to-date contact information in case of an emergency or utility issue at your home or in your neighborhood.

Customer Utility Information

Your Name(Required)
Your Email Address(Required)
Address(Required)

Snowbird Dates

I understand that my meter will be read each month and that I will receive a bill for OPU utility services reflecting a base charge and any charges incurred for actual usage.
I will be leaving on
MM slash DD slash YYYY
I will be returning on
MM slash DD slash YYYY

Customer Temporary Address (Please mail my utility bill to)

Name
Address
I understand that if I choose not to provide a Customer Temporary address to OPU (as requested below), my bill will be sent to my Owatonna address, which may delay its delivery to me. I also understand that this delay may result in late fees being applied to my account.

Authorization

Signature(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY