Winter is on its way! Unless spending the upcoming frigid months on a tropical island, it’s necessary to prepare for cold weather. Severe winter weather conditions can occur quickly, after all! Prepare for Old Man Winter by utilizing the following tips:
The Right Supplies
Add a few items to your emergency kit, such as rock salt or its eco-friendly equivalent for melting snow on driveways and walkways. Sand and kitty litter provide effective traction, while snow shovels and similar equipment are necessary for, um, removing snow. Ensuring your home features a nice supply of heating fuel is also important in case of winter weather-related home isolation. Fuel sources could be cut off, so a stack of dry wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove is a good idea. Winter weather clothing and blankets should be added to your kit as well.
Home Cleaning and Repairs
Clean gutters to avoid a nasty buildup of dead leaves, snow and other debris, and don’t forget to drain and disconnect all outside hoses. Shut off outdoor water valves if possible, and repair any roof leaks. Remove hazardous tree branches that could easily become weighed down with ice and snow and damage vehicles and neighbors’ houses. Wrap an insulation blanket around your hot water heater, and use caulk and weather stripping materials to insulate windows, doors and all cracks. Shut your fireplace flue if you won’t be using it over the winter, and have a contractor inspect your roof. You’ll want to make certain it can withstand heavy snow! Learning how to shut off water valves in case of burst pipes is also recommended.
Another excellent winter prep tip for your home? Ventilating the heck out of your attic. The more ventilation there is, the less melting and refreezing will occur on your roof. Insulating your attic floor is also key to prevent your home’s heat from escaping.
Self Preparation
Understand the symptoms of hypothermia, such as uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, disorientation and exhaustion, and never leave wet clothes on in the cold. Wet clothes provide no insulation, and are a one-way ticket to the aforementioned hypothermia. Know the signs of frostbite as well, such as numbness and pale/white extremities. Always stay indoors during a winter storm, and walk carefully over ice and snow. Avoid overexertion while shoveling snow, as it can bring on a heart attack, a major cause of death in winter.
Use these tips to keep you and your family safe during winter!
What are your best winter survival prep tips? Share them in the comments section!