Being Ready for Winter

After such a warm summer it’s almost hard to believe that winter will soon be here. Living in Nebraska I know that even early fall is never too early to prepare for the first snow or cold days. This is a good time to get out your check list and make sure you are ready in case of emergencies or accidents.

1) House: weather-stripping and/or storm glass for windows. Weather-strip your doors. Every year do the candle test for drafts so they are all plugged or fixed. If you have wood floors throughout, this is a good time to get the winter rugs down to help hold in the floor heat. Make sure all emergency supplies, radio, and winter food pantry is stocked, have batteries, and all in good working order. That includes replacing everything in the first aid kit in both you house and vehicles that you used from them in the last years. Cut and stack wood for any wood burning appliances (check all smoke alarms). Replace spring/summer wardrobe with fall/winter wardrobe in clothes. Remake beds with winter blankets and sheets. Bring out throw blankets and extra pillows you may need. Check cots or inflatable beds for leaks or broken pieces. Find all extra linens and towels. Go through coat closets to check coats for any needs (replacements, repair, washing, throwing away) and restock with winter coats and accessories. Check hot water tank for winter readiness.

2) Outside the House: Check leaf and snow blowers and give them maintenance checks. Check garage and clean to make room for bikes, sleds, boat, both cars…..etc. Drain hoses and roll them away to be stored. Do final maintenance on lawn mower after last lawn trim. Finish yard maintenance (fertilize, draining small ponds, ..etc) to ready your yard for winter (lawn, trees, shrubs, and flowers).