As I write this post the temperature is 51°, the winds are howling and we are expecting 2 -3 inches of rain. By tonight it will be in the 20’s. Hard to believe that winter doesn’t officially start for another few weeks.
Here are some of the things that we do to our cars and homes before the winter weather sets in:
For the car
- Check the tire pressure for safe winter driving
- Replace old wiper blades. You want blades that work in snow, sleet and cold heavy rains
- Have the battery checked. There is nothing worse than having a dead battery in the middle of winter.
- Get the oil changed
- Add dry gas to your tank the next time you fill up
- Make sure to carry a break down kit in just in case you get stuck on the road. North Dakota’s Department of Transportation has a good list.
For the home:
- Make sure you have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors with new batteries
- Have your heating systems checked and cleaned
- Have your gutters and down spouts cleared after the leaves are down.
- Have your trees trimmed, removing any limbs that might be dangerous. Your insurance may cover fallen limbs but that won’t protect you from physical injury or power outages.
- Have your roof examined before the snow builds up on it.
- If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, have your chimney cleaned.
Be prepared so you can stay safe for whatever the winter season brings.
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