Be Prepared for a Power Outage
I wanted to share with you a few tips and ideas to help you be prepared for an emergency or power outage. A couple of days ago, here in Northern Utah, we had a big wind storm. The wind stirred up so much dust in the air, and then it started to rain. As you know when you mix dirt and water you get mud. Well, we had mud falling from the sky. As the mud fell it got inside power transformers and caused them to short and a several power poles caught on fire.
There were lots of people, including myself, that experienced a power outage that night.
Our power outage began at about 5pm, so my first thought was to make sure all the blinds and curtains were open to let light in. Soon I realized that if the power outage lasted too long we would get cold, so I closed the blinds to try to keep the heat inside.
We gathered our candles and flashlights so we would be able to see. Candles can also help you heat small areas of your home.
We then decided to have fun! It’s a good idea when you have kids to have things in mind that you can do without power, the batteries in their tablets can only last so long. It can be fun to play board games and card games in a power outage. This night we had a tennis ball fight. It was lots of fun.
Luckily we had eaten an early dinner so the power outage didn’t cause us trouble that way. I would have been prepared though because we have one of these emergency stoves. It works great to cook on! It’s also a good idea to have some canned foods and sandwich supplies on hand so you can still eat during a power outage. If you are using canned goods, be sure to have a manual can opener. I was talking to a college student and she wasn’t prepared, so she cooked herself a dinner of mini marshmallows, roasted on toothpicks over a candle.
After we played for a while, we got the kids all bundled up in their beds. I took the opprotunity to relax! Take a bath by candlelight! It was very relaxing and I got all warm before I bundled myself up and went to bed.
I know we were lucky that our power outage only lasted about 8 hours. Lots of times they can last much longer. It’s a good idea to get yourself prepared with 72 hour kits and food storage.
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Get your car ready for winter part two
Yesterday I told you about my latest get ready for winter task, getting my car ready for winter. Today I am looking at getting my car ready for winter part two. Lately I have talked a lot about winter weather preparations. We looked at getting our yards, homes, food storage, emergency supplies and more ready for winter. All of these preparations will be worth it once winter temperatures and weather hits. When preparing for winter weather it is always best to prepare for the worst possible conditions you may be facing. When preparing for winter weather I think it is always better to be over prepared than under prepared.
In the bad weather it is definitely better to minimize travel, but if travel is necessary, keeping your car ready to operate safely in severe weather is a must. I can’t say that enough. Winter weather can provide a variety of unexpected vehicle emergency situations. These are some of the things I am doing, follow along and get your car ready for winter part two.
Window washer fluid for cold temps
This is easy and inexpensive but the results are huge. Change your windshield wiper fluid to a fluid with deicer. It makes keeping a clean and clear windshield so much easier. Being able to see well is a huge safety issue, obstructed vision can contribute to accidents. Spend a couple of dollars and check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
Windshield wipers
While you are changing your windshield wiper fluid, check your windshield wipers. Do they appear to be free from tears and cracks? Are they brittle or flexible? Replace your windshield wipers if they are damaged or worn. You need good windshield wipers to avoid obstructed vision, which can contribute to accidents. Again, spend a couple of dollars and check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
Gas tank de-icer
This is sold at most discount and big box stores. Adding it when you fill your car up with gas can help you avoid having your fuel line ice up. One more time, spend a couple of dollars and check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
Keep gas tank at least half full
Remember to always keep your gas tank at least half full. This helps keep condensation from building up in your gas tank. Condensation in your gas tank equals water and ice, something you do not want. If you become stuck in traffic or stranded having at least a half tank of gas can help you avoid an emergency. This is a freebie, you don’t have to spend any money to check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
Spare tire
Check your spare tire. Is it in good shape? Is it inflated properly? If you have to use it, you want it to be ready to go. This is another good thing to remember as we work through the list to get car ready for winter part two.
Brakes
How about the brakes in your car? Brakes are not something you want to ignore in winter weather. Stopping on less than ideal road conditions requires brakes and a braking system that is in good shape. If you notice anything unusual when braking, have your brakes checked by a professional.
Heater and defroster
These are probably working just fine or you would have already noticed. It is easy to tell because you are cold and your windows fog up. If for some reason you haven’t checked these yet, now is the time. Also check to be sure the vents are not covered or obstructed. Hopefully this is another freebie and you don’t have to spend any money to check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
After we’ve checked all of these things on our get your car ready for winter part two list, our cars should be ready to get through winter weather and driving a bit more safely. Have an idea or tip that wasn’t mentioned? We’d love to hear it!
Get your car ready for winter
Over the last couple of weeks I have talked a lot about winter weather preparations on our blog. We have talked about preparing our yards, homes, food storage, emergency supplies and more. I have one more area of preparation I am tackling this week. I checked my car for emergency supplies and got it stocked with everything I need for winter driving. Now I need to get my car ready for winter.
In the bad weather it is definitely better to minimize travel, but if travel is necessary, keeping your car ready to operate safely in severe weather is a must. Winter weather can provide a variety of unexpected emergency situations. When preparing for winter weather it is always best to prepare for the worst possible conditions you may be facing. In my area this is blizzard conditions and iced over roads. My car needs to be ready to face these hazardous road conditions. Here are some of the things I am doing, follow along and get your car ready for winter too.
Snow tires or all-season tires with good tread
Check out the tires on your car. How is the tread? There is a big difference between tread that passes state safety inspections and tread that will drive well with icy and snowy roads. On bad roads, bald tires are a hazard to you and to all of the other cars around you. If you already have snow tires, put them on your car now. If your car’s tires have unsafe tread, get new tires or get snow tires. Tire preparation is a big part of getting your car ready for winter.
Antifreeze
When was the last time you checked or changed your antifreeze? This is another important vehicle preparation that often gets overlooked. Antifreeze keeps for car from overheating and keeps your engine from freezing during extreme weather. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to replace the antifreeze in your car. Checking and changing the antifreeze is important when you are getting your car ready for winter.
Battery
A good battery in your car is essential in winter weather. Winter temperatures are hard on a car’s battery. One battery website states that “Your vehicle’s battery loses 33 percent of its power when the temperature dips below freezing, and over 50 percent of its power when the temperature falls below zero.” That is enough of a change to make a marginally functional battery useless in cold weather. Don’t chance being stuck and left stranded in the cold. Replace any car battery that isn’t in great shape. The battery is another thing you don’t want to forget when you are getting your car ready for winter.
Don’t warm up car in garage or unattended outdoors
This item is more of a reminder than a preparation. Each year there are reports of people who have an emergency situation because they try to warm up their cars in a closed garage or unattended outdoors. There are carbon monoxide poisonings and car thefts. Avoid the possibility of these situations by deciding now to warm up your vehicle safely. Keep gloves and a blanket in the car if necessary to stay warm when warming up your car. Do whatever it takes to mentally prepare to warm up the car safely. It is another important thing to remember when you are getting your car ready for winter.
These are a few of the ways I getting my car ready for winter. I’ll share a few more tomorrow in part two of the blog. Have some ideas to share? We’d love to hear from you!
Car Winter Checklist Part Three!
As I have mentioned this week, winter preparations are in full swing at my house. Last week I talked about getting our yards and homes ready. We talked about food storage and emergency supplies. This week I have been talking about making a car winter checklist. Who knew there would be so much to say about what you need to keep in your car in the winter!? We talked about common, already in the car items and some items we need to add specifically for winter. Today we are ending this series with the items on the car winter checklist part three.
I said it already this week but I am going to say it again – it really is that important. In the bad weather you should travel only when absolutely necessary. It is better to minimize travel, but if you must travel, please keep your car equipped with items you need in an emergency. Winter weather can provide a variety of unexpected emergency situations. Today we are going to talk about the last of the items on my car winter checklist part three.
Water
Water almost seems like something you don’t need to keep in the car. If it is winter, there is bound to be plenty of snow to melt right? No, add water to you vehicle car winter checklist part three, you need it. Water can be essential to surviving being stranded in your vehicle.
Snack food
Snack food is another car winter checklist part three item that you want to add. Add quick and easy snacks that are full of nutrients and can help you stay full and nourished if you are stranded in your car. Skip the potato chips and go for nuts or protein bars.
Extra hats, coats, and mittens
If you become stranded, you’ll want these items too. Extra hats, coats and mittens are essential to staying warm if you become stranded in your car. Sometimes we are quick to take short trips without this essential winter gear, we are going from a war car into a warm destination. We won’t need a coat or hat right? Wrong. Severe weather has trapped people in their vehicles close to home. If your car becomes stuck and you must walk even a short distance, not having these items will be a big deal. Add these items to your car winter checklist part three.
Blankets
Having blankets in the car is a lot like having the extra coats, hats and gloves. If you become stuck, you will need to be able to stay warm. Running the car engine to stay warm is dangerous. You’ll need to stay warm with the car turned off. Mylar thermal emergency blankets are a great idea for adding to your car’s emergency supplies. Make sure this item is on your car winter checklist part three.
Road maps
This is a good idea if you are traveling far from home or in unfamiliar areas. Severe weather could close a commonly used road. If you need to switch routes, a map will be an excellent resource. You will get an idea of road quality and terrain from a map, in the winter this is critical information than you will not get from a road sign.
Waterproof matches and a can
If your travel takes you through an area where you could become stranded and need to build a fire, add these materials too. You should have packed water in your car but this can help provide additional water if needed.
Items for baby or pets
Don’t forget the baby or the pets! If you will be traveling with a baby or a pet, remember the specialty items that they need. Diapers, formula, pet food, leash, all will be needed if you become stranded in your car. Add the baby or pet items to your car winter checklist part three.
Whew! That’s a lot to think about for your car and winter weather! Have you prepared your Add these items to your car winter checklist part three? (Or parts one or two?) Have more tips and ideas? We’d love to hear from you!
Car Winter Checklist Part Two
As I mentioned yesterday, winter preparations are in full swing at my house and I’ve been sharing this on the blog. We talked about getting our yards and homes ready. We talked about food storage, emergency supplies and yesterday we talked about some of the items we need to have in our vehicles. Our cars are often overlooked as an important place to get ready for winter weather. That’s caused me to think about a car winter checklist. We talked about common, already in the car items yesterday and today we are moving on to car winter checklist part two, items we need to add specifically for winter.
I said it yesterday but I am going to say it again – it is that important. In the bad weather it is definitely better to minimize travel, but if travel is necessary, keeping your car equipped with items you need in an emergency is a must. Winter weather can provide a variety of unexpected emergency situations. You might need to add the following car winter checklist part two items to your vehicle:
Tire chains
Tire chains can be necessary if you need to drive through canyons or on other snow packed roads. They can be inexpensive and purchased at most auto parts and stores like Target or WalMart. They take up very little trunk space and can provide peace of mind when driving in bad weather. This car winter checklist part two item is a good one to add to your vehicle this winter.
Shovel
A shovel is a must have if you get stuck in the snow. You’ll need to be able to dig yourself out. This car winter checklist part two item is much better than trying to dig with your hands or whatever you can find in your car.
Road salt, sand or kitty litter
If you are stuck in the snow or on the ice, any of these car winter checklist part two items will give you traction. Adding traction can make the difference between being stuck, possibly for hours, and being able to get out of a bad weather situation.
Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
If you do get stuck, having a car winter checklist part two item like a battery powered radio will keep you aware and informed. You won’t want to overuse the car radio because you could drain the battery.
Flashlight with extra batteries
Have a flashlight with extra batteries in your car. If you get stuck at night you will need a light source. A flashlight with extra batteries is a car winter checklist part two must have item.
Bright colored flag or help signs
If you get trapped in a major snow storm, you may end up waiting out the storm in your car. A brightly colored flag or help sign will alert emergency responders to your location. Adding these items to your car winter checklist part two can help you get rescued in a severe storm.
Are these on your car winter checklist? Want to suggest something we forgot? Watch our blog tomorrow for even more winter specific items to keep in your car. There are more items than you might think! See you then!