Winter is around the corner are you prepared ?

This is the month where we really need to make sure that the outside is in order for the coming cold months.

Take the time over the next few weekends and ensure that you have gone through the steps of securing and storing your items.  Make sure your BBQ is covered and in an out of the way place on the deck or better yet in the tool shed or garage.

Lawn chairs tables, umbrellas packed and covered to prevent damage.

Pool professionally closed, water levels are right, cover secure and ready for the freeze, slide and board in the pool shed, filters, chemical injectors and basket drained.

Gutters cleaned, clear and free from debris, downspout extenders on passing water at least six feet from the foundation, if you have big O drainage is the discharge open and clear from blockage.

Trees cutback from the structure, rosebushes dug up and laying down and buried to protect them for the winter, have you pulled the dead annuals as well.

If your putting up christmas lights have you pre thought how the power cords need to be placed, install a simple track system to prevent accidents and protect the extension cords.

Begin stocking up on some sand or " Icemelt" make ready some bins at the front and back door, maybe one along the driveway.

Get your snowblower tuned up before the rush, call the fella down the road to plow out your driveway and pay for the year in advance for a good savings. Is the teen next door still shovelling or blowing the driveway? A call will answer that for you.

If your in an area that can and has in the past lost power for any length of time PLEASE stock up on those extra needed items remember to make sure you have atleast 72 hours worth for all that will and could be in your home over the winter months. If you are hosting christmas dinner and expect 15 people, if bad weather and power loos happen you can accomadate everyone and keep stress and tension to a minimum.

Candles one per person, for every 8 hours, some bottled water 1 gallon per person per day ( if your on a well ) then you need more water in storage.  

Fire up the coleman stove and ensure it is working, extra fuel would be a good idea.  

A menu of what can be stored and is still good to eat for the duration, a few jiffy pop popcorn plates will really go along way with kids and adults alike.

spare batteries for the portable DVD machine to watch movies for kids and help pass time.  The portable radio does it still work.

flashlights with spare bulbs and batteries ( not the DVD's batteries)

A backpack with provisions in case some one needs to leave the house to get help they can take some and not effect the remainder.

Most important is have a good first aid kit and some one who has been trained in emergenct first aid and CPR.

Oil lanterns, are an upgrade to candles and can burn for days before refilling a few spread out through the house will have them already in proper placement.

Maybe do a one night lights off and dry run the evening and make sure you and your family know the " Drill" so if and when it happens everyone has thier assigned tasks and jobs and can just do and get what is needed, if company is over tis will really prevent any panic from guests as they will quickly see you all know what to do and where to get the required items.

If your inclined to do so, make a safety pack for each vechicle as well.

Above all be safe this winter and enjoy all that comes with the snow.