As harvest sweeps across New York’s fields, the busy 2024 cropping season is winding down, leaving all of us ready for a well-deserved break. But don’t settle into that cozy chair just yet—there’s a golden opportunity waiting! Now is the perfect time to prepare your farm-provided employee housing for the fall and winter months. By ensuring that these homes are safe, structurally sound, and operating at peak efficiency, you can help your employees stay comfortable as temperatures drop. We all know that sunny t-shirt weather will soon be replaced by a brisk, goosebump-inducing wake-up call!
Here are some essential tips on fall upkeep to ensure your farm-provided employee housing is comfortable and will help you avoid costly repairs due to maintenance miscues:
Fire Safety First
- Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors at least twice a year.
- Clean heating appliances, chimneys, ovens, and dryer vents regularly.
- Avoid using extension cords and portable space heaters.
- Ensure fire extinguishers are accessible, operational, and residents are trained on their use.
- Post the emergency 911 address and communicate emergency procedures to all occupants.
- Refer to this link for more information:
Fire Safety in Farm-provided Employee Housing
Inside Insights
- Clean! Don’t let deep cleaning be a thing that only happens in the spring.
- Service the heating system and replace filters; consider hiring a professional to ensure safety and maximum efficiency.
- Inspect plumbing for leaks and potential for freezing of pipes.
- Ensure there are no gaps or cracks, and insulation is in good repair.
- Seal entry points to exclude rodents and inspect for presence of insects.
- Update First Aid kit, provide a working flashlight for power outage emergencies.
Exterior Essentials 
- Clean gutters and downspouts to direct water away from the facility and prevent damage. Ensure doors and windows close properly and are sealed to prevent drafts.
- Inspect roofs for leaks and attic ventilation to make sure it is adequate.
- Cut back branches and vegetation that could damage the house during windstorms or other severe weather.
- Check that outdoor lighting is adequate and operational.
- Remove objects and debris that could hinder snow removal and emergency operations.
- Arm residents with snow shovels!
Taking a little time now to tackle these tasks will save you from dealing with unplanned repairs during the chilly months ahead. So, roll up those sleeves and get back to work—your employees will thank you, and you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing their homes are safe and well maintained!
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By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post Brrrr-acing for the Chill: Winter-Proofing Farm-provided Employee Housing appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.
