Once upon a time, I lived in Colorado. Having spent most of my time growing up in North Texas, I was honestly ill prepared for the cold so my answer was to be outside as little as possible from about November to May. I even told folks that I kept Texas plates on my car as a warning to others that I had zero business driving in “that kind of weather.”
President Abraham Lincoln warned, “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.”
You may be a sunny-bunny, too, I get it! Yet, as grown ups with grown up responsibilities, it’s not an option to hunker down and ignore the forecast, especially after the great cold-blast of 2021! Your job, your family and your home are all counting on you.
Some of the ways I prep my house and my life include:
Clean Gutters: Falling leaves create buildup blocking the path for rain water (or melting snow and ice) to run. This protects the foundation of your home as well as reduces risk of flooding.
Chimney Sweep: Soot and creosote that has built up pose a fire risk. Cleaning will also help your fireplace operate more efficiently.
Furnace Maintenance: Regular check-ups help the unit last longer and, hopefully, avoid a sudden stoppage. Also notable, cared for units may mitigate soaring energy costs.
Winterize Pipes: Almost 30% of insurance claims are related to water damage and freezing pipes. Installing a Styrofoam cover over outdoor hose bibs will help keep them from freezing. For extra protection, drain the sprinkler system and turn the controls to off.
Charged Cell Phone: Few folks have landlines anymore, making access to emergency personal dependent on not just plan coverage but also battery life. Limiting unnecessary use if there’s warning of power outages and investment in a solar charger are prudent considerations.
Board and Card Games: Nothing makes the time go more slowly than staring at a blank wall, and in North Texas, it’s more likely to be un-fun ice on the roads vs piles of powder to sled or make snowmen with outside.
Blankets: Not all chilly days offer “No School” temperatures. So heating the whole house while everyone is away or cuddled together in the one room watching movies is fool-hearty.
Not every winter day shuts down life … nor the city … yet every winter day poses a strain on your home and time. With a little prep and planning, these days are able to be enjoyed.