With temperatures bottoming out, and plenty of cold weather ahead, it’s important to take sensible precautions during the winter months. Below is a brief guide on how to stay safe and healthy throughout the holidays and beyond.
Be ready for Power Failures
No matter how warm and cozy it is in your house, that can be transformed in an instant if winter storms interrupt the power. In the event of a storm or other incident knocking out the lights and the heat, it’s a good idea to have the following items on hand:
- Candles and/or wind-up flashlights
- A battery powered/wind-up radio for keeping up morale and listening to news bulletins
- Extra (working) batteries
- Plenty of warm blankets
- First aid kit and necessary medicine
- Baby items
- Heaters that rely on alternative fuel sources (kerosene, etc)
- Plenty of fuel for your generator (if you have one)
- Gravel, sand, or cat litter for icy sidewalks
It’s also a good idea to make sure your cell phone is always charging whenever you’re home so that you can remain in contact with loved ones and/or the authorities during a power outage.
Winterize Your Home
Before the strong storms arrive, it’s a good idea to take a few moments to make sure that your house is battened down for the season. Sensible precautions include:
- Installing winter stripping, insulation, and storm windows
- Making sure that any outdoor water pipes are insulated against freezing
- Cleaning and inspecting gutters
- Checking the roof for leaks
- Having your heating system professionally inspected and serviced
- Installing or inspecting your carbon monoxide detector (this odorless gas can build-up to toxic amounts when windows and doors are kept closed)
Don’t Forget to Prepare Your Car Too
Most of us rely on our cars for transportation and to acquire vital supplies. It’s a really smart idea to get your car ready for months of icy weather by:
- Mounting all-weather or snow tires
- Filling your windshield washer tank with a winter formula
- Always keeping your gas tank full to avoid ice build-up in the fuel lines
- Having the radiator and fluids professionally serviced
- Keeping tires inflated to the recommended pressure
In addition, it’s a really good idea to prepare an emergency kit in case you get stranded or suffer a breakdown during inclement weather, with items that include:
- Blankets
- Two liters or more of water
- Enough food for two meals
- Ice scraper for the windshield
- A bag of sand (for traction)
- Paper maps and a compass
- Flashlight and batteries
- Wind-up or battery-powered radio
- First aid kit
- Flares, booster cables, and a tire jack
- Plastic bags and bottles (for emergency sanitary purposes)
These are the best but still basic ways to stay safe and healthy in the winter.