Preparing for Winter

Winter is coming! No time like the present to prepare. Although the severity of winter weather conditions varies by where you live, it is still a good idea to prepare your home, car, and family for the winter season. Here are some ideas and recommendations.

HOME

Be very careful with space heaters, fireplaces and stoves. Keep flammable items 3+ feet away from the heat source.
Change the filters on your furnace.
Check heating vents in your house to make sure they are not blocked by stuff or furniture, and that they are open (in rooms that you use).
Check the charge on your fire extinguisher. If you don’t have one, buy one.
Check your attic insulation.
Check your smoke alarms – are they working? Put in fresh batteries.
Clean downspouts and gutters. Overflowing gutters can result in unwanted water in your house!
Dig out the extra blankets & use on your beds.
Do not use your oven or stove to heat your home, it is not safe.
Get rid of drafts of cold air. Use caulking strips, insulating tape, or plastic sheeting to protect your windows.
Have dead limbs removed on trees that are near your house. Consider removing all limbs that hang over your house.
Have your chimney cleaned and inspected, if you plan to use a wood burning fireplace.
Have your furnace cleaned professionally.
Have your sprinklers professionally serviced for winter.
If using a space heater, study the manufacturer’s instructions every year. Make sure you are using safely. Turn off when before you go to sleep or leave the room. Do not use on carpet, rugs, or near bedding, blankets or drapes. Keep away from pets and children.
If you have a coal or wood stove, have it inspected and cleaned.
If you need help with your utility bill, contact your local utilities company for option for assistance.
If you use your fireplace, put up a glass or metal fire screen. Extinguish the fire before leaving the house or going to sleep.
Inspect the trim and siding on the outside of your house for gaps, and fill in any that you find.
Install storm windows and doors.
Layer, dress warmer at home, and turn down the thermostat.
Make sure you have smoke alarms on every floor of the house, including the basement, and outside bedrooms.
Put old rugs, blanket or towels in front of door and windows to cut down on drafts.
Put up heavy curtains on windows and close at night, to keep cold air out.
Replace weather stripping on doors.
Shut the doors for rooms that you are not using, and close the heating vents.
Stock up on firewood.
Test your carbon monoxide detector.
Turn off outside faucets, take hoses off.
Use insulating material to cover your water heater, to save energy on heating the water.
Use weather stripping or caulking around pipes that enter your home.
Waterproof floor mats by outside doors.

KEEPING EVERYONE WARM

Locate winter items from last year – make sure they all still fit and are in good condition:
Coat, warm
Gloves
Hat
Scarf
snow or ski pants
sweaters
Water-resistant boots

HEALTH

Consider getting a flu shot
Remind family members to wash hands frequently.
Stay healthy during winter cold and flu season - Eat right, drink plenty of water, exercise, take your vitamins, and get plenty of sleep.
Stock up on vitamins, chicken noodle soup, herbal tea, cold medication

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - items to have accessible at your home in case of a storm.

Winter can bring storms and loss of electricity. Make sure that you have the essentials to survive in your home for a week without electricity, heat, fuel or water.
Baby items.
Back up heating source – such as a space heater, wood stove, fireplace.
Battery powered weather radio
Extra prescription and over-the-counter medication.
Fire extinguisher
First-aid kit – restock!
Flashlight and extra batters
Food for a week, that does not require cooking or refrigeration.
Heating fuel.
High energy food, such as candy, dried fruit, protein bars.
Manual can opener.
Portable radio for emergency information.
WATER

PREPARE FOR WINTER

Locate snow shovels.
Stock up on de-icer, rock salt, or sand for icy spots on your driveway, walkway and sidewalks.

CAR

Have your mechanic inspect your car to make sure that it is safe – be sure they check: brakes, tires, cooling system, battery, electrical system, engine, exhaust, fuel system, heater, defroster, wipers, oil, filter.
Locate ice scrapers and put in each car.
Put on new windshield wipers that are made for winter.
Put studded snow tires on.
Remember to drive with caution.
Stock up your car for an emergency – check out this list for all the details:
http://www.myplanninglists.com/items-to-keep-in-your-car.php

FUN

Winter is a great time to have fun & enjoy your loved ones!
Have hot chocolate and marshmallows on hand for the first snow storm.
Locate or purchase a sled.
Plan winter activities that you can enjoy as a family or with friends.
Cut snowflakes out of paper during a storm.
Stock up on movies, games, and snacks to enjoy at home on a cold night.

SNOW DAY SCHEDULES

Check with your school and work for storm day schedules.
Review storm day schedules and procedures with family members, and especially children.
Write down phone numbers for checking school and work closures.
Put together a list of emergency contact information.

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Preparing for Winter