Winter is a great time to snuggle with a blanket and stay inside. Also because it’s a time when you might not feel so safe to go outside, the slippery walkways and roads can feel like a big threat.
However,
There’s no need to lock yourself inside the house and never go out, you simply need some tips to go through the winter. These tips I brought here today will surely make you and your family safer to enjoy this season and what it has to offer!
“You can't get too much winter in the winter.” - Robert Frost
For You and the Family
Before talking about how to protect your house and your car from winter weather, let’s talk about some general tips for you and your family to stay safe. For example, you should always stay indoors during a winter storm.
More than that,
Be careful when walking on icy walkways and even more careful when shoveling snow to prevent accidents or headaches.
Also,
Change clothes after shoveling, you don’t want to spend the day with wet clothing that could bring you a cold.
Getting Medical Help
It’s important to get familiar with cold-weather related diseases symptoms, like frostbite and hypothermia. The first one brings you lost of feeling and pale appearances of the skin - specially in extremities; while shivering, memory loss, drowsiness, and disorientation can be signs of hypothermia.
To Prepare the House
We’ve recently talked about how to get your home ready for a blizzard, so you can go check that out for more details.
But basically, what you need to do is:
- Clean the gutters
- Insulate walls, doors, windows, water pipes, and the attic
- Repair roof leaks
- Get rid of tree branches near the house
- Check if there’s furniture blocking the heating vents
- Keep cabinet doors open so hot air can circulate and avoid frozen pipes
To Prepare the Car
Road accidents are really common this time of the year. According to the Department of Transportation, about 22% of accidents happen because of the winter weather.
How can you prepare to face rain, snow, sleet, and ice when you need to drive?
- Get winter/snow tires
- Complete antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, gas, oil, and other fluids
- Keep bagged salt or kitty litter in the trunk (that creates extra traction if you get stuck in snow)
- Give preference to driving during the day and always stay on main roads
- Let your family know of your schedule and always have your phone charged when you’re taking the road
- Save numbers for the auto club, insurance agent, and towing service
If You’re Trapped In A Vehicle
In case you get trapped inside your car, the ideal is that you stay inside and turn on the inside light so rescuers can easily find you.
What you can do while you wait is:
- Use maps, magazines, floor mats, and seat covers to create insulation in the car
- Drink a lot of water to keep hydrated
- Run the engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour
- Clear snow from the exhaust pipe to reduce risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
- If you have company, take turns sleeping
Bonus: During this time of the year, always keep an emergency kit in the car, including some food, water, a change of clothes, gloves, first aid kit, flashlight, a blanket, and a sleeping bag.
Did you miss any tips on our list? Let us know on Facebook!
More from homeyou:
- How to Prepare Your Home for a Blizzard
- 8 Home Hacks to Deal with Winter Days
- 7 Ways to Survive a Snowstorm