Tips To Prepare for Winter Weather
I know we are only days away from December but until last weekend we have been fairly lucky with regards to cold temperatures or even lots of snow in our area. The sun has been shining most days and the temperatures pretty mild. My wife thinks this would have been perfect winter weather until spring and summer returned but we know that is a fairy tale. Those of us who have lived here our whole lives know that the weather can change very quickly and we still have plenty of winter months ahead. Last night's snow and todays cold temperatures are just a preview of what is to come.
Our son-in-law and our grand-son are gung-ho to build an outdoor skating rink. I just hope it gets cold enough and stays for their sakes. Unfortunately, an unexpected rise in temperature can wipe out all their hard work overnight. Personally, I like winter if there is sunshine but the frigid temperatures are not my favorite. I barbeque dinner occasionally in the winter months out on the deck and believe me I prefer the oven on frigid days. Good luck to the ice-skaters, the snowmobilers, the four wheelers, the cross-country skiers ands those who just enjoy the outdoors. If one of these activities fits your personality, good for you. That is the beauty of South Western Ontario. Our weather will probably accommodate most of you in the next few months. Enjoy!
There are a few things that you should do to prepare for all kinds of winter weather and here are just a few suggestions.
1) Winterize your home.
a) Be sure that all exterior pipes are wrapped. I have spoken to a few people who had quite a mess as a result of skipping this precaution during one of our bouts of frigid temperatures of -17 a couple of years ago.
Call me Wayne Liddy 519-436-4810 Royal LePage Peifer Realty Inc. Brokerage for all your Real Estate needs and visit my website for other Homeowner Tips, Events, Happenings and Choice Properties For Sale in Chatham-Kent
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a) Be sure that all exterior pipes are wrapped. I have spoken to a few people who had quite a mess as a result of skipping this precaution during one of our bouts of frigid temperatures of -17 a couple of years ago.
b) Repair all roof leaks no matter how small they may seem. Excess weight from the snow and ice can cause severe damage. A leaky roof can turn into wet walls, and paint repairs inside the home.
c) Try to prevent all drafts by installing weather stripping where possible and check storm doors and windows.
2) Check your Homes Heating System:
a) Furnaces should be professionally serviced and filters changed.
b) Fireplaces should be inspected and cleaned. A roaring fire in the freezing cold temperatures is wonderful but not if you have a chimney fire or worse.
c) Always have up to date smoke detectors and test batteries monthly.
d) Plan for an alternate heat source in case of outages.
e) Be sure your Carbon Monoxide detector is current and in good working order.
f) If you do not have one, install a Carbon Dioxide detector and be aware of Carbon Dioxide poisoning symptoms such as headache, nausea and disorientation. They are silent killers.
3)Prepare your Car for Emergencies: Do regular maintenance. A phone is a must, of course, but you cannot always depend on a cellular signal so be prepared to wait for help.
a) Always keep your fuel tank close to full to prevent freezing in the tank and fuel lines.
b) Have your windshield washer fluid full and have extra on hand in trunk.
c) Try to prevent all drafts by installing weather stripping where possible and check storm doors and windows.
2) Check your Homes Heating System:
a) Furnaces should be professionally serviced and filters changed.
b) Fireplaces should be inspected and cleaned. A roaring fire in the freezing cold temperatures is wonderful but not if you have a chimney fire or worse.
c) Always have up to date smoke detectors and test batteries monthly.
d) Plan for an alternate heat source in case of outages.
e) Be sure your Carbon Monoxide detector is current and in good working order.
f) If you do not have one, install a Carbon Dioxide detector and be aware of Carbon Dioxide poisoning symptoms such as headache, nausea and disorientation. They are silent killers.
3)Prepare your Car for Emergencies: Do regular maintenance. A phone is a must, of course, but you cannot always depend on a cellular signal so be prepared to wait for help.
a) Always keep your fuel tank close to full to prevent freezing in the tank and fuel lines.
b) Have your windshield washer fluid full and have extra on hand in trunk.
c) Have an emergency kit ready for any situations that may arise:
-booster cables, flares, tire pump and sand for traction in case you get stuck.
-warm clothing: heavy coat, boots, scarf, mitts in case you get stranded
-food and water for emergencies: food bars, bottled water, thermos with hot beverage,if the trip is long and the weather forecast is bad.
-food and water for emergencies: food bars, bottled water, thermos with hot beverage,if the trip is long and the weather forecast is bad.
-first aid kit
-flashlight and phone to call for help
d) If you do get stranded in your car. Stay in the vehicle and call for help. Never get out and walk. You may get disorientated.
-flashlight and phone to call for help
d) If you do get stranded in your car. Stay in the vehicle and call for help. Never get out and walk. You may get disorientated.
Make sure the tail pipe is not blocked. Do not run the engine and heater more that 10 minutes every hour. Tie something bright on the antenna and if it is not snowing raise the hoods.
4) Dress yourself, children and pets for the temperature: Frost bite can occur very quickly in below zero temperatures.
Enjoy our winter months. They can be fun. Our grandchildren love to play in the snow and winter activities can be great family adventures. It just takes common sense and a few check lists to ensure safety. Don't be caught off
guard.
4) Dress yourself, children and pets for the temperature: Frost bite can occur very quickly in below zero temperatures.
Enjoy our winter months. They can be fun. Our grandchildren love to play in the snow and winter activities can be great family adventures. It just takes common sense and a few check lists to ensure safety. Don't be caught off
guard.I added some winter pictures from years gone by. The weatherman says we are in for a snowy winter so theses scenes will most definitely be back again. Get ready and be safe!
Call me Wayne Liddy 519-436-4810 Royal LePage Peifer Realty Inc. Brokerage for all your Real Estate needs and visit my website for other Homeowner Tips, Events, Happenings and Choice Properties For Sale in Chatham-Kent
Tags: For the Homeowner
