Faith Farm

Winter Preparations???

Yes I know it seems odd to be talking about winter prep in August, but if your anything like me time just goes by too fast and with this crazy weather we have been having it just seems right.  All the ol' timers are talking about a hard winter and various tell-tell signs are agreeing with them.  Sooooo.......I thought I would share some tips about winter prep I found:

Prepare your home and family

• Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
  
  
• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
  
  
• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
  
  
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
  
  
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
  
  
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
  
  
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
  
  
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

Prepare your car

• Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
  
  
  • Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
    
    
  • Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
    
    
  • Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
    
    
  • Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes andrepair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
    
    
  • Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
    
    
  • Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
    
    
  • Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
    
    
  • Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
    
    
  • Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
    
    
  • Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
    
    
• Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
  
  
• Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
  
  
• Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:
  
  
  • a shovel
  • windshield scraper and small broom
  • flashlight
  • battery powered radio
  • extra batteries
  • water
  • snack food
  • matches
  • extra hats, socks and mittens
  • First aid kit with pocket knife
  • Necessary medications
  • blanket(s)
  • tow chain or rope
  • road salt and sand
  • booster cables
  • emergency flares
  • fluorescent distress flag

 Around here there a few things added onto our list:

Cut wood---Lots and lots of wood!

Stock up on feed and hay for winter.

Fix, mend, build adequate shelter for animals.

Prepare garden soil for winter rest.

Stock up on batteries, alternative lighting, matches, ect.

Go through winter clothing and boots-replace what needs replacing.

Medical supplies--Now is the time to replace outdated cold meds and freshen up the "cold box"  Keep comfort items such as Kleenex, 7-up, gatoraid, jello and soup on hand. 

Gather necessary hunting items and seasonings before they become high demand products.

Order kidding supplies and necessary vet kit items.

Food Storage:  Anytime is a good time to do this-we just make an extra effort to examine supplies on hand.

And what should have been #1:  Take a moment to think about all the things you thought about last winter to get ready for this winter.  Take note of those items that you thought were a priority in the middle of a winter storm.  Hopefully this years "if only's" won't be next years "I should have done's"

Hope this has been helpful!  Blessings>faithfarm