Winter Readiness Guide
1. Branch Off. Take a wander around your property and inspect the trees. Attend to any dead branches, or ones that have grown over the top of your house, garage or power lines, as they can cause damage if brought down by a winter storm.
2. Protect Your Beds. Cut back perennials and dig out and dispose of annuals. Adding hardwood mulch to your boxes and beds will help protect both the soil and bulbs in sub-zero temps. Also, mow the leaves on your lawn instead of raking them, so that they will break down and nourish your lawn over winter.
3. Stock Up. Purchase extra batteries for flashlights, sand or salt for driveways and sidewalks and waterproof floor mats for your entryway. Then fill your cupboards and pantry with household emergency supplies. Think, extra blankets, a battery powered radio, first aid kit and four days’ worth of water and non-perishable food.
4. Winter Auto Care. Don’t forget about winter maintenance for your car. Install snow-tires, check your antifreeze, replace any older batteries, and always keep your gas tank as full as possible to avoid freezing water in the fuel line. Store a bag of sand or road salt, an ice scraper, jumper cables, first aid kit, flashlight and batteries, water, non-perishable food, a blanket, warm mitts and hats, as well as a first aid kit in the trunk for emergencies.
5. Clean It, Set it, Then Forget it. If your furnace filter is dirty airflow is compromised, which will increase your heating costs and can pose as a fire risk. Check your manual for recommended filter cleaning and maintenance. Then set the timer on your thermostat for a lower heat during the day mid-week (when you’re at work), and in the evenings (when you’re sleeping).
