Tag: winter

Winter Came Early. Are You Ready?

Posted on by Jordank

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

Posted on by Jordank

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

Posted on by Jordank

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.

Prepare Your Car for Cold Weather

Posted on by Jordank

As the temperatures plummet, the most important aspect of your car is that it continues to start and handles well even on icy roads. To protect against getting stranded, first check the battery, Consumer Reports says; if it’s five years old or weak already, replace it. Replace your wiper blades to ensure that they can quickly clear away the snow, mist and dirt that will kick up from the road in inclement weather. Check and top off (or change) the oil and antifreeze. And finally, consider investing in new tires — all-season radials or snow tires — if any of the tread on the current tires is getting low.

Keep Your Car Clean to Prevent Rust

Posted on by Jordank

Snow, ice and salt can wreak havoc on a car’s exterior. If you want to protect your investment and still navigate slippery highways and streets, wait until the temperature is above freezing, and wash your car down with warm water and soap, Safelite says, adding baking soda to the wash mixture if you drive on salted roads. Pay close attention to the undercarriage and wheels, since they have the most exposure to moisture and muck. Finally, dry the car completely. Repeat the process every two to three weeks to protect against the formation of rust.