Are You Winter Ready?

Had our first snow of the season this weekend.

It didn't stick, but it was beautiful for a time.

Our little tree just finished shedding all of it's leaves.

Meteorologists are predicting higher than normal winter precipitation and lower than normal winter temperatures.  

Are you winter ready?

Use the tips and reminders below as a checklist.

• Keep the fuel tank in your vehicle close to full.  I'm not very good at this one.  The husband thinks anything below half a tank is "close to empty."  I'm usually not concerned until the fuel light comes on.  In the winter I try to be better about it.  Keeping it full prevents condensation from building in the tank. Plus in older vehicles it keeps the fuel line from freezing.
• Build an emergency car kit.  Breaking down or sliding off the roadway is a real possibility.  Hopefully you have a cell phone and are within a service area or your vehicle is equipped with On Star.  Otherwise you may be at the mercy of passing motorists.  Either way you never know how long you could be left waiting for help.  And if you end up not needing these supplies you may just encounter someone along the road that isn't as lucky.
• Don't forget your pets.  Have shelter and fresh water if they have to be outdoors for any length of time.
• Have you had your sprinkler system blown out?
• Do you need to clean out your gutters?
• Any windows and doors needing weather stripping or caulking?
• Have a wood stove?  Does the chimney need cleaning?
• Kitty litter or sand works great for icy walkways.
• Prepare your house for a power outage.  Batteries/radio/flashlights/manual can opener/bottled water/ etc.
• If you have winter clothes that your family has outgrown you could donate them to a local shelter or church - the homeless population is growing in every part of the country.
• Don't forget ice scrapers and snow brushes for your car!

What am I forgetting?