Preparing your home and auto before winter comes is the safe and smart thing to do. By taking the time every fall to "winterize" your car and home you will be better prepared when colder weather arrives.
Every home should have a severe weather safety kit: items to include a battery‑operated radio, flashlight, matches, extra batteries and a set of house and car keys. Stock ample wood for the fireplace and plenty of nonperishable foods that can be eaten without heating. Keep bottled water and juices on hand in case your power and water supplies are interrupted. Another item to consider including in the kit is prescription medicine, especially if there is a chance that roads will be impassable.
Remove dead tree branches. Ice and snow, coupled with winter winds, can cause limbs to snap. Not only is this a hazard to your roof and car, but it can injure a passerby.
Clean gutters. Snow and ice can build up pretty quickly, especially if your gutters are clogged with leaves. When thawing begins, the water has nowhere to drain and can back up under your roof and eaves, causing wall and ceiling damage. Consider buying screening to keep your gutters debris‑free or installing heating cables along the gutter to prevent such a buildup.
Check your homeowners insurance policy to make sure coverage is adequate for the type of winter weather in your area.
Make sure auxiliary heaters and fireplaces are adequately maintained and serviced. Many fires related to auxiliary heating sources are preventable through simple maintenance. Before installing a wood‑burning stove, check with local fire officials as to codes and proper installation techniques. Do not store kerosene in a non‑approved container or in the home.
During the winter, drain pipes if your power goes off or if you plan on an extended stay away from home. Draining pipes will keep them from freezing or bursting should there be a sudden drop in temperature or power failure. To drain, turn off the water heater and main water supply, open all faucets in the house and drain the system by keeping the valves open. Drain all toilets by holding the level down until the tank empties. If well water is used, the pump's electric switch should be shut off and the pressure tank and system should be drained. Antifreeze can be poured into drains but take precautions since it's poisonous to people and pets.
Prepare a winter emergency kit for yourself and keep it in the trunk with:
| At least two blankets. |
| Waterproof matches and candles. |
| Extra clothing, particularly boots and mittens. |
| A steel shovel and rope to use as a lifeline. |
| Dry food rations such as raisins, nuts and candy. |
| Flashlight with spare batteries and emergency flares. |
| Garbage bags to be used as insulation. |
| Sand or non‑clumping cat litter for tire traction if your vehicle gets stuck in ice or snow. |
| Change for pay phones. |
| A metal coffee can to store small items and melting snow for drinking. |
| Jumper cables. |
| Winterize your car. Get a tune‑up to save wear and tear on the battery. Consider snow tires or chains as your travel dictates. Chains are best on glare ice. Other car care tips include: |
| Check radiator coolant and sturdiness of hoses and belts. ·refer to the car manual to see if a lighter grade oil is recommended for winter driving. ·change burned out headlights, tail lights and turn signals. ·check tire tread and wear. The minimum tread is 1/16 inches for adequate traction. ·make sure brakes are in proper working order. |
| Keep spare window washer fluid in the trunk and make sure the washer blades are in good working order. |
| When you're on the road in winter, pay attention to weather reports. Always respect winter driving times and remember there are only nine hours of daylight driving time in midwinter, and even fewer if a storm is imminent. |
| Become familiar with your vehicle's winter weather operating characteristics. Front wheel drive vehicles generally handle better then rear wheel vehicles on slippery roads because the weight of the engine is on the drive wheels, which improves traction. |
| Keep your windows clear, inside and out, and remember to clear head, tail and brake lights. |
| Avoid parallel parking when icy. It's easier to get stuck when you have to turn your wheels. |
| Never decrease tire pressure in an effort to gain traction. All you'll do is wear out your tires. |
| Keep your gas tank at least half full. Fill the tank before you park for lengthy periods. This will help prevent fuel line freeze‑up and be a lifesaver if you become stranded and must rely on your car for shelter. |
| Leave ample stopping time between you and the driver in front of you. Braking distance can be up to nine times greater on snowy, icy surfaces than on dry roads. |
| Take any corrective actions gradually. Gently apply pressure to your brakes to stop. Check your vehicle operations manual for the proper method to correct a skid while driving your automobile. |
| If your lock freezes, heat your key. Don't pour hot water on the lock ‑‑ it'll just refreeze. |
| Don't pump Anti‑lock Braking Systems (ABS). Apply firm, continuous brake pressure to activate ABS type brakes. |
The best advice is to remain with your car. If nothing else, you are guaranteed shelter, something you will not have if you leave the car.
Other helpful tips include:
| Tie a red cloth (handkerchief, hand towel, rag, etc.) to your antenna, driver door handle or outside mirror. |
| Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. Poisonous gases filter into your car if the pipe is clogged. |
| Run your engine and heater no more than ten minutes every hour. Crack open a downwind window for ventilation. |
| Light a flare to let people know you're in the car. |
| Use floor mats, seat covers, and blankets for added warmth. If you must leave your vehicle during a blizzard, secure a lifeline of rope or cord to your car to avoid becoming lost or disoriented. |
| Never eat snow. It will chill you. Instead, melt it in a coffee can for drinking water. |
| Don't panic. Your chances for rescue are better if you stay calm and in your car. |
| First, stay in your car. Don't leave unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful ‑‑ a building may seem close but be too far to walk to in deep snow. |
| Second, display some sign that you're in trouble. Turn on your flashers and tie a bright cloth to your car antenna or door. |
| Third, open a window slightly to prevent freezing rain and snow from sealing you in your car. |
Being prepared is up to you. For more information, contact your local emergency management agency or the Licking County Health Department at (740) 349-6535.