O'Fallon Missouri Are You Ready For Winter?    

If you are anything like me you have a very short memory and have already forgotten about the winter storms that we experienced in December 2007 and again in February of this year.  Now that I stop and think about it that may be the reason I don't like winter.  Oh well I digress.  Any way you look at it winter can be very unpleasant if you are not ready for it, so here are just a couple of things that you can do to make it a little more pleasant.

Get your home and family ready:

• Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.  For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood burning stove.  Remember the experience some of our neighbors had during the ice storms in 2007.
• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.  Make the trip to the hardware store now; don't wait for the real cold weather to set in.
• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment.  Clear gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm.  Remember what damage ice covered tree branches can do, we have a first hand knowledge from both 2006 and 2007.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.  If you have one of the newer exterior frost proof faucets don't forget to disconnect your water hose, if the hose stays connected it could cause your water line to freeze.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them.  House fires pose an additional risk, as more people go to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.  Remember not to use that little Hibachi charcoal grill in the house either.  Also, remember to use that new turkey fryer away from the home and preferably off of the deck to prevent fires.
• Learn how to shut off water valves just in case a pipe bursts.  Extensive water damage is not a good thing and is very costly.
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.  Call your family members to check on them too. 

Your car needs to be ready too:

Check or have your mechanic check the following items on your vehicle; antifreeze levels, battery and ignition system, brakes, exhaust system, fuel and air filters, heater and defroster, lights and flashing hazard lights, oil, thermostat, windshield wipers and washer fluid, and tires.

• Put a winter emergency kit in each car that you have that includes; a shovel, a windshield scraper and small broom, a flashlight (don't forget to check the batteries),  a battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, extra hats, socks and mittens, a first aid kit with pocket knife, necessary medications, blanket(s), a tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares and a fluorescent distress flag.  This goes for drivers of all age groups.  It may not seem "cool" but, if you break down or have an accident you will be glad that you had some of these things.

The last thing that you want to do is dress in layers with loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.  Forget about the one layer look with the heavy clothing.  I am not one for a hat but, in the winter time I have one on and suggest that you have one too.  Hold on to your body heat by wearing a hat and mittens and don't forget the scarf.

Have a safe and warm winter.