If you must go outdoors in extreme winter conditions, the Centers for Disease Control says, dress for the weather. Appropriate outdoor clothing includes layers of light, warm clothing; windproof coats, mittens, hats and scarves; and waterproof boots (all of which can be found at thrift stores supplied by ClothingDonations.org). Take a buddy if you plan on any outdoor recreation. If you must travel, let people know your route and estimated time of arrival, and if you are stranded in your car, make it visible to rescuers. Stay with the car unless safety is less than 100 yards away, and run the motor and heater for 10 minutes per hour, opening a window slightly to let in fresh air. #WinterTips
Tag: winter
Be Prepared for a Winter Storm
Winter storms substantially increase the risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks, says Ready.gov. If your area is under a winter storm warning, stay off the roads, stay indoors as much as possible, and prepare for power outages due to snow and ice. Stock up on essentials including nonperishable foods, water, batteries, pet supplies and medications in case you lose power and must stay home for several days. Avoid overexertion if you need to shovel snow, and check on neighbors — older adults and children are more at risk in extreme cold. #WinterTips
Winter Came Early. Are You Ready?
Many areas across the country are experiencing a fast end to the manageably crisp fall temperatures they usually enjoy, going from jacket weather to parka-and-longjohns overnight. Many areas that could expect highs to hover in the 50s are experiencing record-breaking lows; some already have a blanket of snow on the ground and below-zero wind chills.
The abrupt transition from seasonably cool to fantastically frigid likely took many readers (and this author) by surprise. Their best winter garments are probably still in storage or at the cleaners, leaving them to cobble together layered outfits to brave the cold or simply huddle indoors until the sudden cold snap passes.
If you haven’t yet bundled up, now’s a good time to start. Many retailers have announced Black Friday deals well ahead of the actual day, so you can buy yourself that new coat, sweater or blanket at a discount. Better still, you can find lightly used garments at area thrift stores supplied by ClothingDonations.org a fraction of their original retail prices.
Once you’ve got yourself covered, you’ll want to prepare for the worst. Winter storms could trap you inside for days, so make sure you have a good snow shovel and plenty of food and drinking water on hand, Simple Family Preparedness says. Stock up on wood for the fireplace and salt or sand for the sidewalks.
If an extended deep freeze is on the way, fill your gas tank to prevent fuel line freezes. Charge cell phones and fuel backup generators. Weather-strip drafty windows and doors. And refamiliarize yourself with the location of your home’s main water valve in case the pipes freeze and burst.
Most home winterization tasks are a matter of keeping snow, ice and prolonged below-zero temperatures from ruining the equipment that keeps your home climate-controlled in the first place. “Proper winterization involves a systematic review of your home’s HVAC equipment, as well as the critical structural and mechanical systems,” The Spruce says.
Check the furnace and replace filters. Cover your central air conditioning unit to prevent debris from getting in it. Inspect and clean the chimney and insulate exposed pipes against freezes. It’s a lot to get done — but once you do, you can ride out the cold winter months in calm and comfort. Get started before it’s too late!
How to Beat Cabin Fever
In the wake of last weekend’s winter storm, temperatures dropped across the country, leaving many people confined to their homes or at least reluctant to go out. Homes today have numerous entertainments, of course, but cabin fever — that restless feeling that comes with being stuck at home — is a real challenge in wintertime.
Children get especially squirrely when daily activities are limited by deep drifts and icy temperatures. Keep them busy by having them help bake cookies, make homemade Play-doh or build an indoor fort, The Budget Diet suggests, or try to help them embrace the weather by going on a nature walk or sledding trip.
Avoid binging on television and food if you want to beat cabin fever, WikiHow says — such overindulgences can actually make you feel more listless and hopeless. Instead, get plenty of vitamin D through sunlight and healthy foods, engage your mind with a good book or puzzle, and clean your home to make it more comfortable.
Host a dinner, cocktail party or game night if you want to socialize without traveling far, LifeHacker suggests. “Make people trudge through the snow to you. Put on a pot of stew, bake some bread, and break out the whiskey. How do you think people in cold climates stay social?”
You can also take advantage of the downtime to plan for the parts of the year you won’t be stuck inside, WiseBread says. Check out destinations for your summer road trip online or plan your summer garden. Better still, volunteer some of your extra time to help people facing worse problems than boredom.
One of the best things to do to keep cabin fever at bay while making that “cabin” a better place to live is #declutter, says MakeSpace.com. A cluttered home is a cramped home, “so spend the next big snow day cleaning and organizing,” the site says. It will make your space more livable and enjoyable, even while you’re stuck there due to the weather.
When you’re done decluttering, pack up any still-useful clothing and household items and contact ClothingDonations.org for a pickup. You won’t have to lift a finger — we’ll come to you, navigating the slushy streets to get your donations before reselling them to local thrift stores and using the proceeds to fund veterans programs.
That act of charity alone should make you feel somewhat better about being stuck indoors. Stay warm!
Keep Your Car Safe in Snowy Weather
To ensure that you can start and drive your car safely throughout winter, check your tire pressure frequently. If the tread is getting low when checked with the using the penny test; replace them if necessary. Test your battery or take it to a mechanic or auto parts store for testing. Top off the antifreeze and look for leaks if it’s low. Replace headlamps if they seem dim, and wax or polish the lens exteriors. Replace the windshield wipers, and refill the windshield washer fluid. Finally, Reader’s Digest recommends, keep a full tank of gas to prevent fuel line freezes.