Look ahead now to make sure that you have all the supplies needed for another long winter You don’ t want to be snowed in or experience a sudden power failure only to realize that you need some crucial item. Start preparing in the fall when the demand for these things isn’ t so high, and you might save a little money, too.
LOSING POWER Unfortunately, winter storms can lead to power failures. To avoid being caught off guard, create an emergency kit in advance. Include essential items such as batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit, a battery-powered radio and plenty of bottled water. Stack your pantry with non-perishable food items. If your area suffers from prolonged outages, consider purchasing a generator as a backup power source.
STAYING WARM Make your home winter-ready by ensuring that you have enough cozy
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Planning Ahead: What’ s Next |
items like extra blankets, thick jackets, hats, gloves and space heaters. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to maintain the perfect indoor temps. You’ ll be inside more as conditions turn colder, so consider a purifier to |
improve the air quality in your home. If you have fireplaces or wood-burning stoves, stock up on properly seasoned firewood. If you rely on other fuel sources, purchase an amount that’ s adequate to last throughout the winter. |
STAYING HEALTHY
Fall and winter typically bring an increased risk of colds, flu and other illnesses. Take necessary precautions like practicing good hygiene, staying current on your vaccinations, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to help minimize your chances of getting sick. Update and fill your prescriptions and keep an ample supply of overthe-counter medications to alleviate common symptoms— including cough syrup, fever reducers and sore throat lozenges.
GETTING READY
If you live in a place with harsher winters, stock up on all the essential snow removal tools like snow shovels, de-icing agents and ice scrapers. Regularly inspect and maintain your tools to ensure they are in optimal working condition. Maintain a winter car kit, with emergency items such as extra blankets, an ice scraper, jumper cables, a flashlight, shovel and nonperishable snacks. Get ready for the cold with a new patio heater. Depending on how much you get, purchasing a snow blower might make sense.
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