Tips for Staying Safe This Winter

Winter should be winding down.  It’s February, after all.  Yet, it seems the snow and frigid cold temps just won’t go away.  Here are some tips for staying safe this winter.

1. Your House – Your home is your protection from the winter, whether it’s from the snow or cold.  Proper maintenance will help ensure against disasters.  Keep gutters clear of debris.  Install de-icer cables to prevent ice dams.  Driveways and walkways should be kept clear of snow and ice.  

2. Your Car – Perform regular maintenance on your car.  Check fluid levels, especially windshield wiper fluid.  Keep a snow brush/ice scraper, a small shovel and sand in your car.  Any time you take your car somewhere, whether it’s a five-minute or one-hour drive, take bottled water, high protein snacks, gloves, hat, boots and scarf with you.  You never know when your car will break down or you’ll run into a traffic jam.
3. The Storms – Keep ahead of the weather.  If your area is anticipating a blizzard that might keep you from getting outside, you don’t want to run out of food.  Keep at least three days of food and water on hand.  Have a variety of options in case you can’t use the stove or oven.  Check your prescription medications.  Do you have enough for the next few days?  Make sure your cell phone is charged.  Do you have an alternate source of power or heat if the electricity goes out?  This might be a large supply of firewood if you have a fireplace, or a generator.  Finally, secure loose items in your yard, such as furniture and trash cans. 
4. Snow Removal – What is the condition of your equipment?  Check the gas and oil levels in your snowblower before the storm so you don’t run out half-way through clearing.  Are snow shovel blades straight and handles secure?  How is your supply of de-icer?  When shoveling, dress warmly and in layers.  Take breaks if there is a lot of snow.  Keep piles low, and push snow, rather than lift when possible.
5. Your Pets – Your pets need to be kept safe in this extreme weather also.  Use pet-safe de-icer on your property.  Watch for salt when walking them in the neighborhood.  Check their paws when you get home, and clean out any salt or gravel from between their toes.  Don’t leave them outside for any length of time in frigid temps.  Brush the snow off them when they come inside.   
6. Travel – If you are traveling during the winter, check the weather at both the point of origin and the destination.  If there are storms or weather advisories, your flight or train may be delayed. 
7. Check on Others – If you have elderly or homebound family or neighbors, regularly check on them.  See if they have power, heat and food.  Clear their drive and walkways, or arrange for it to be done by someone else. 

Don’t go out unless absolutely necessary.  Give your city time to clear the streets.  The less people on the road, the quicker the job will be done. 

Autumn Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Autumn is the most beautiful season of the year, with the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows dominating the landscape. Early morning frost sparkles in the first light of dawn, and harvest moons shine overhead.  But autumn also means the harsh winter months are ahead.  And with that in mind, you should be preparing your home for the cold weather.  Here are some tasks you should be planning.

INSIDE THE HOME

·        Make an appointment to have furnace and humidifier inspected

·        Change the furnace filter

·        Drain your water heater to clear sediment from the bottom

·        Have chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned if necessary

·        Call for delivery of firewood

·        Replace storm windows and doors; store screens after repairing

·        Seal leaks in windows with caulk or weather stripping

·        Replace worn door sweeps to stop drafts

·        Check insulation in attic and walls

·        Flip your mattresses

·        Store summer blankets and clothes, and pull out winter blankets and clothes

·        Have winter coats cleaned if you didn’t take them to the cleaners in the spring

·        Check boots for tears or leaks; make sure your children’s boots still fit them

·        Purchase extra mittens/hats/scarves to replace lost ones in a hurry, or to have on hand for guests

·        Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

·        Collect emergency supplies (including food and water) in the event of a power outage

OUTSIDE THE HOME

·        Clean, drain and cover your pool

·        Cover and store your patio furniture

·        Pick up toys and bikes from the yard and store

·        Drain the gas and oil from your lawnmower

·        Clean downspouts after leaves are done falling

·        Check that gutters are securely attached to the house

·        Check roof for missing or broken shingles/tiles

·        Check flashing around chimney for leaks

·        Fill oil or propane tanks

·        Disconnect hoses from outdoor water faucets and drain before storing

·        Drain outdoor water valves

·        Insulate your septic system and other outdoor plumbing to prevent freeze-ups

·        Caulk around entry points for all pipes and ducts in exterior wall (repeat inside the home also)

·        Trim tree branches away from the house and power lines

·        Fertilize your lawn

·        Cover perennials as necessary (leaves work well for insulation)

·        Plant early spring flower bulbs

·        Bring potted perennials indoors

·        Harvest vegetables before the first freeze

·        Prepare your snow thrower for use

·        Check snow shovels—replace if necessary

·        Lay out mats at the front and back doors to trap snow and ice

·        Place a boot tray outside the back door for wet boots

·        Buy salt for icy stairs and walkways (be careful using around plants and pets)

Don’t wait until the first snow storm to take care of these matters.  You never know when the first snow will hit.  Sometimes it’s in the middle of the night, too late to run to the store, and you’ll find yourself in a dark house without batteries for your flashlight or gas for the snow thrower.  Be prepared.