lead to significant heat loss and even cause ice dams on your roof, which can damage your home.
• Protect Your Pipes: Disconnect and drain garden hoses and turn off the water to exterior spigots. Insulate any pipes that are in unheated spaces, like a basement or against an outside wall, to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
3. The Roof and Chimney: Looking Up for Safety
Don’ t overlook the top of your house. It bears the brunt of winter’ s wrath.
• Clear the Gutters: Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams and water damage. Clean them out after the leaves have fallen.
• Trim Trees: Prune any tree branches that hang over your house or car. Heavy snow or ice can cause them to break, potentially resulting in property damage and more.
• Chimney Sweep: Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned. Creosote buildup is a fire hazard, and a clean chimney ensures proper ventilation.
4. Prepare for the Unexpected: The Emergency Kit
Winter storms can knock out power for extended periods. Be prepared with a wellstocked emergency kit.
• Essentials: Gather non-perishable food, bottled water, a manual can opener, flashlights with extra batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• Safety First: Keep a fire extinguisher and a working carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home. If you use a portable generator, never operate it indoors or in an attached garage.
YOUR CO-PILOT: GETTING YOUR CAR ROAD-READY
Winter driving is a whole different ballgame. Sleet, snow, and icy roads require your vehicle to be in peak condition.
1. Under the Hood: The Inner Workings
• Test the Battery: Cold temperatures are tough on car batteries. Have your battery tested by a mechanic, especially if it’ s over four years old. A weak battery may not have the power to start your car in freezing weather.
• Check Fluids: Antifreeze / Coolant— make sure your coolant is at the proper level and has the right waterto-antifreeze ratio to prevent your engine from freezing; Windshield Wiper Fluid— replace your fluid with a winter-specific mixture that contains de-icer. Keep a spare bottle in your car.
• Inspect Belts and Hoses: Check for signs of wear, such as cracks or frays. Cold weather can make rubber brittle, leading to a potential breakdown.
2. The Tire Check: Your Only Contact with the Road
• Tread Depth: Use the penny test to check your tire tread. Insert a penny with Lincoln’ s head upside down into a tire groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’ s head, your tires are worn and need to be replaced.
• Tire Pressure: Tire pressure drops as the temperature falls. Check your tires monthly and inflate them to the recommended pressure found in your owner’ s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’ s side door jamb.
• Winter Tires: If you live in an area with heavy snow and ice, consider investing in a set of winter tires. They are designed with special rubber compounds and tread patterns to provide superior grip in cold weather.
3. Your Car’ s Emergency Kit
Just like your home, your car needs an emergency kit for those“ just in case” moments.
• Essentials:
• A shovel, ice scraper and brush
• A bag of sand or cat litter for traction
• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Blankets, warm clothes, and gloves
• Snack food and bottled water
• Pro Tip: Keep your gas tank at least half-full to prevent the fuel line from freezing.
ON THE ROAD: SAFE WINTER DRIVING PRACTICES
Once you’ ve prepared your car, it’ s crucial to adjust your driving habits for winter conditions.
• Slow Down: Give yourself more time to reach your destination. Accelerate and decelerate slowly and gently.
• Increase Following Distance: In good conditions, you should leave a 3- to 4-second gap between your car and the one in front of you. On slick roads, double that to 8 to 10 seconds.
• Brake Gently: Slamming on the brakes can cause you to lose control. If your car has anti-lock brakes( ABS), apply firm, continuous pressure to the pedal.
• Clear Your Vehicle: Before you drive, clear all snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, headlights, and roof. A sudden sheet of ice flying off your car is a serious hazard to other drivers.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can face the cold with confidence, knowing that you’ ve done everything possible to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter. n
KEYSTONE OAKS ❘ WINTER 2025 31