Winter 2008 a  winter to remember! We’ve had impressive snows and bone chilling cold … and winter has just begun. Keeping safe and getting around in winter conditions will likely be a recurring theme for the next few months so its time to be as prepared as possible. To this end I have attached a checklist of items to do while the weather and stores cooperate.

Our family spent Christmas day snowbound & without power, but it didn’t spoil our day. Our son and his family braved the horrible roads and actually made it to the end of the driveway to our house. We shared soup and sandwiches by candlelight for Christmas dinner. We enjoyed playing games that weren’t electronic and didn’t have the distractions of football games. Our son showed us how to make toast with a lighter (didn’t work very well). Adverse times seem to bring people together, they help us focus on what is truly important and give us lasting memories.

Here is a checklist to help get ready for the winter cold.

 

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Winter Preparedness

CHECKLIST

For the House

  • Winterize all exterior faucets.
  • Drain the sprinkler system.
  • Locate the water shut-off for the house, both in the house and at the street. Keep a shut-off wrench handy.
  • Clean the gutters and check them to be sure they will handle snow loads.
  • Get a snow shovel.
  • Get de-icer or sand for the walkways.
  • Check for loose limbs on trees near or over the house.
  • Check electrical panel and make sure labels on circuits are accurate so you can shut off selected circuits. Especially if you have a generator.
  • Get enough candles, batteries & flashlights. Don’t forget matches & firewood.
  • Stock up on food that can be prepared easily without heat. Only use camp stoves outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Remove excess snow from ornamental trees and shrubs.

For the Car

  • Check tire pressure.
  • Check fluids.
  • Get a windshield scraper.
  • Get extra windshield wiper fluid.
  • Put warm clothing, gloves & blankets in the car.
  • Get chains. Do a dry run to test and improve your skills.
  • Carry bags of sand in the trunk for traction (on rear-wheeled cars) and use on the road. Kitty litter works well too but lacks the added weight for traction.
  • Keep a short handled shovel in the trunk.
  • Keep some snack food and water in the car.
  • Keep a cell phone charger in the car.

If you have a generator (consider getting one)

  • Test to be sure you are familiar with its functions and be sure it works.
  • Make sure it is maintained and has enough oil.
  • Get extra gas cans and gas.
  • Make an operational checklist and place it by the generator.
  • Make sure all circuits connected to the generator are protected by a surge suppressor.
  • Have extra extension cords if your generator does not power the whole house.