8 Ways To Prep Yourself For Winter

Winter preparation may not seem important or even front of mind at this time of year, but getting a head start now can ensure that your home is ready for autumn and winter and that you are prepared to face it. Many stress-free situations can be achieved by being appropriately vigilant and prepared overall. It’s especially crucial to be prepared during the winter since you can find yourself in a blizzard or a snowstorm that is considerably more intense. Our bodies react to the cold differently as we age, making us more vulnerable to major health issues. But you can be healthy, safe, and comfortable this winter with a little forethought and by adhering to some straightforward recommendations.

A checklist is really useful for keeping track of the tasks that need to be completed before winter.

1. Pipe Insulation & Heating Alternatives

Any exposed pipe that runs against a wall or is located in an unheated space could be dangerous. When the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water within can freeze and rupture the pipe. When leaves clog gutters, the material can freeze into a large pile that could cause harm to the roof. Draughty windows and doors can let warm air out while letting cold air in. Since you can get an insulation kit at any hardware shop, it is a good idea to seal any windows. Additionally, you may purchase weather stripping there to improve the seal on your front door. In order to help keep the warm air inside the house, you can also purchase insulated blinds.

After a long day, we enjoy coming home to a warm, comfortable environment. Wouldn’t it be awful if your home’s heating malfunctioned in the evening? Make sure you have alternate heating sources like gas heaters, hot fans, wood stoves, and space heaters handy.

2. Move More & Eat Healthy

Even when you don’t feel like it, staying active will keep you healthy and fit and also help you stay warm by producing heat.  Take a quick stroll in the middle of the day if it’s not too cold. Find ways to stay active by getting up and moving around.

Eat at least one hot meal per day, and sip hot beverages all throughout the day to help keep yourself warm. It’s a good idea to have a hot beverage before bed and to keep one nearby in a flask. To ensure you’re getting enough nutrients and vitamins, include a wide variety of foods in your diet and strive for five pieces of fruit and vegetables daily.

3. Prepare For Clothing

Every time a new season arrives, we store one pile of spring/summer and one pile of fall/winter clothing. To avoid having to race through your house looking for warmer clothing, it is usually a good idea to take them out early.

4. Maintain Stocks & Sort Your Meds

It’s a great idea to keep some additional treats, water, and canned goods in the house that are designated especially for the winter season, but don’t overstock and end up with too much. Having a little extra food and water is a prudent precaution because you never know when your electricity will return during a storm.

It’s critical that you replenish your supply of drugs. In case of severe weather or if you feel too sick to go to the pharmacy, make sure to get your medicines in advance. Whether your pharmacy doesn’t typically do this, make sure you ask whether they can deliver to you. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep some straightforward cold, flu, and sore throat medicines at home in case you get sick.

5. Clean The Fireplace

If you use your wood-burning fireplace more than six times a year, you should have a licensed chimney sweep professionally clean and check it once a year.  A three-year checkup is adequate if your fireplace uses gas, which burns cleaner than wood and is nearly never used.

A portable propane burner like the ones we use when we go camping is useful if you live somewhere with extremely harsh winters and know that you will almost certainly experience a power outage.

6. Stock Of Bottled Water

If your pipes freeze, causing an interruption in tap water supply, it’s important to have an ample supply of bottled water readily available. You could need water to brush your teeth, wash your dishes, flush the toilet, or take a shower if your pipes should freeze. You can also fill up the bathtub, jugs, bottles, and other containers with water in advance of the storm.

7. Be Prepared For A Power Outage

Before the storm, charge your smartphones, and make sure you have some portable battery backups available in case the power goes out. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep flashlights or battery-operated lights nearby so you won’t have to fumble about the home looking for them.

If power outages are common where you live, you might want to think about purchasing a generator, either a portable or a home standby unit. If you do have a portable generator, be sure to have fuel or propane before the storm so you may use it as long as you need to.

8. Get Vehicle Service

Check your car’s antifreeze levels, battery, ignition system, exhaust system, heater, lights, and oil levels before the next winter storm arrives. Then, prepare your automobile by stocking it with supplies in case the snow strands you inside. Make sure your car is stocked with first aid supplies, blankets, water, chains, jumper cables, ice scrapers, maps, bottled water, warm clothing, and non-perishable snacks. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep some sand or cat litter on hand in case you get stranded and need to give your tires more traction on ice or snow.

Few Final Thoughts

Follow these 8 essential tips to prepare yourself and your home for the winter. In addition to all the mentioned requisites, the US Government advises getting the flu shot every year if you’re over 65 or if you have certain medical conditions.