Have you Winterized your Life?
For some, winter is already here, for the rest of us it's approaching quickly. Days are shorter, temperatures are cooler, and for many it won't be long until snow storms are in the forecast. I highly recommend everyone winterize their home, but along the way, don't forget to winterize the rest of your life!
Here are some tips to help you be prepared for the falling temps:
-Stock up on snow salt or a more environmentally friendly product. This sells out quickly once the snow hits, so make sure you're well stocked. In most municipalities you're responsible for your driveway, walkways & sidewalks so make sure you keep them snow & ice free to avoid slip & fall accidents.
-Make sure you've got heating fuel and wood for your fireplace/stove. If you're low on heating oil it is SURE to run completely out right in the middle of the seasons first big snow storm. Fill up before the winter, and if you have a fireplace or wood stove, keep plenty of wood on hand to stay warm, reduce your energy bills, and avoid having to find it in the cold!
-Replace your batteries. Take the opportunity to make sure batteries in flashlights, smoke & radon detectors, and vehicles are ready to go. With shorter days, if the power goes out you'll need a flashlight on hand, make sure those lights have working batteries.
-Know where your snow shovel is! I had someone steal a shovel from my front porch, and didn't realize it until it snowed again, too late! When I went to buy a new one I couldn't find them anywhere. Know in advance where your shovel is, and if you don't have one, buy one before it snows.
-Keep a cold-kit in your car in case of emergency. Your kit should include blankets, extra hats & gloves, flashlight, bottle of water, booster cables (cold kills batteries), and a first aid kit. In the cold it's much better to be overprepared than unprepared. Emergency thermal blankets are small, cheap, and great to have in emergencies.
-Make sure you have an ice scraper! I've yet to make it through a winter without seeing someone trying to use their hands to clean snow & ice off their car. Don't be that person - the time to buy one of these is BEFORE you need it.
Winter is also an opportunity to be someone's hero. If you see someone that forgot an ice scraper, help them out (better yet, keep 2 in your car in case you see someone that's unprepared - they're super cheap so you can afford to give one away). Keep elderly neighbors in mind when clearing your driveway or walkway - clearing their driveway or car will make their day and potentially save them from injury. If you've got children, this is a great opportunity to teach them the value of being a good neighbor (and they can save your back!).
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