Winter Preps

[talon]

Winter is settling in. In some parts of the country, it's already here.

Later, when I have a bit of time (probably early December), I'll search out my links to the various winterizing articles I have, but for now, here's a brief overview:

First: Keeping the place warm, especially in the event of a power outage: 1. Styrofoam will block the cold coming in through windows. Since this is ugly, and many apartments object to this, try putting a white curtain back in the window first, then push in the Styrofoam sheets. Hang a curtain or blanket over it in the room side to add another cold-blocking layer. Lacking Styrofoam sheets, cardboard, more blankets (wool ones gotten at the Army Surplus work outstanding well), and soft foam will also work. 2. Retreat to one room for the duration of the cold spell - the more bodies there are in a room, the warmer it will be. Pets count as warm bodies. If the kitchen is large enough, this is often the best room if you still have power but the heating went out, otherwise choose the living room or a bedroom. If you retreated to the kitchen, consider catching up on your baking. Meringue cookies take a long time to bake at a low temperature, which will heat the room nicely. 4. Make a tent over the bed - the less space you have to heat, the warmer it will be. If the bed is large enough, have everyone sleep in it. 5. Use draft dodgers (long, stuffed tubes) to block drafts coming under doors and through the spaces where sliding windows meet and can't be caulked if you want the windows to open.

Longer term winterizing treatments for the home include doing such things as 1. glazing the windows - this is just another way to say caulking the window panes into the window frames to block wind from getting through. Caulk inside and outside for maximum windproofing. 2. Putting foam insulation sheets inside the light switch and plug covers. 3. Wrapping water pipes with foam insulation to keep them from freezing. 4. If you can afford it and haven't already done so, upgrade the wall and ceiling insulation in your house. 5. Caulk around door and window frames. 6. Put weatherstripping up around doors and windows. 7. If you have wood or tile floors, put down rugs or runners in the areas you most frequently walk. 8. Check and change the vent filters and have your house heater serviced before winter arrives.

Stock up on essentials in case of severe storms and lengthy power outages. I'm talking things like toilet paper, water, canned goods, soap, ice melt stuff, candles, a wind-up radio, matches, pet food, medications, and new entertainment things like books, games, pen and paper, or coloring books and crayons (or markers). Movies and the internet if you have power and access would also be good entertainment options.

Car Winterizing: we all know (or should by now) about anti-freeze in cars. But also check oil, tires, brakes, belts, and gaskets. These things can be damaged by severe cold (or severe heat, and if you live where you have both, checking these in spring and fall will save you a world of grief). Keep blankets, water, candles, flashlights, a first aid kit, a traction kit (kitty litter, a set or two of traction mats, or quick install tire traction), a snow shovel (or small shovel), and a fully charged cell phone in the car.

If you take public transportation, then a back pack of essentials, including a fully charged cell phone, food, water, blanket (those silvery emergency blankets are fine), first aid kit, and fully charged flashlight can be useful.

There is, of course, a whole lot more you can do for comfort and safety during the winter season, but this should serve as a reminder and spark off more ideas for you.