We’ve all heard the weather predictions for a cold winter, at least here in the northeast. Are you ready for Old Man Winter? Wintertime can mean ice, snow and perhaps a few snow days where everyone is home. Are you ready?
First take a look at the outside of your house. Make sure it is winter proof. If you have gutters they should be clear of leaves. Do you have basement windows that need to be covered for the winter? Make sure the gardens are cut back and all of the garden hoses and tools are properly stored for the winter. If you have a fireplace or woodstove is your wood stacked and covered?
Prevent frozen or bust pipes by shutting off the water to all outdoor facets and allowing them to drain. If the faucets need to be on all winter make sure you install a frost free sillcock instead.
Inside it’s always good to be prepared for unexpected power outages and cold snowy weather. Have a few flashlights and fresh batteries on hand. Extra blankets incase the power is out for more than a day and you have no way to heat the house. Luckily we have a wood stove and in the case of a power outage we can just all move into the living room!
Make sure your car is ready for the winter weather too. Do you put snow tires on? What about winter wipers? You should have a safety kit for your car consisting of a shovel, sand or cat litter for traction, booster cables, and extra warm clothing and boots, an ice scrapper, and a winter sleeping bag or blankets. It’s also a good idea to have some snack food, water, and a flashlight. You never know when you might get stuck on the road.
Look over your winter gear – coats, hats, gloves, scarves and boots. Does anything need to be replaced? Nothing like having your first snow storm and finding out your child’s boots don’t fit!
Prepare your kitchen for the winter as well. Stock your pantry for those unexpected snow days. Have ingredients on hand to make soup. If you loose your power make sure you can still prepare quick meals like tuna fish sandwiches! I use my crockpot a lot during the winter. I also try to have a few extra meals in the freezer. If you’re feeling under the weather it’s nice not to have to cook!
Those snowy days will be here before we know it! Prepare now and you’ll be able to enjoy that first winter storm!
Linked To: MotivationalMonday, TheGatheringSpot, HomesteadBarnHop, TheBackyardFarmingConnection, WordlessWednesday, TuesdaysWithATwist, HomesteadBarnHop, FromTheFarmHop, LHITS DIY, FarmgirlFriday
Nancy on the Home Front 