Prepare for Winter Emergencies NOW.

In regions such as North Dakota and Maine winter is already here, with reports of snowfall and freezing temperatures. While winter offers many delights, it can also be a challenging time even without an emergency or a disaster taking place.
Hikingware.com offers these brief, common-sense suggestions for being prepared to meet and, if necessary, defeat Old Man Winter:

• Make sure all general garden maintenance is up to date. Loose and/or old branches cut down, perennial weeds burnt etc.
• Check slabs and pathways for cracks that may let water in and then freeze causing more damage and trip hazards – repair as required.
• Put a couple of bags of rock salt and grit mix out the back to keep the patio safe to walk on.
• Put a couple of bags of rock salt and grit behind the side gate to keep the drive ice-free.
• Stow all the garden furniture away for the winter. 
• Bag up footballs,  super-soaker guns and other kiddie crap and hang in the garage.
• Rinse and air dry the wetsuits and store in rodent proof box.
• Make sure wood supply is adequate and coal bunker is full.

• Grease saws and garden tools to keep them in good condition.
• Clean and grease lawnmower blades and wipe the machine down ready for spring.
• Replace all tools in their rightful home at the far end of the garage.
• Check roof for gaps and holes – close the door during daylight and look up, any splits and gaps will show. Seal/repair as required.
• Wipe down outsides of all electrical items: tumble drier, spare fridge and spare freezers. Check all plugs and sockets for damage, repair as required.
• Clean out cupboards checking food dates and looking for blown/rusting cans.
• Check pipe lagging under the sink.

• Check for flaking paint/varnish on wooden doors and sills, repaint /varnish if required to prevent water penetration and rot.
• Check weatherboards and fascias are in good repair and tightly fixed in place.
• Seal any gaps in window frames/door frames
• Clean UPVC frames and windows.
• Check lagging on the outdoor taps. Re-lag if needed.

• Check the roof. Go into the loft during daylight, close the hatch and look for dislodged tiles or slates. Repair as required.
• Check pipes on exterior walls are lagged.
• Put one emergency box right outside the back door on back porch ready for use.
• Test central heating and bleed radiators if needed.
• Get boiler serviced.
• Get chimneys swept.
• Fill log baskets and put next to each fire, ditto coal scuttles.

Many service stations offer a 'Winter Tune Up' special for vehicles this time of year. If you don't do this stuff yourself, take advantage of these specials to get your car in shape for winter. Also, go through your glove compartment(s) to throw out any trash and restock with safety and emergency items such as a flashlight, candles, matches, and some hard candy.

Don't be daunted by the length of this list! Do a little bit each day, and in a matter of a week or two you'll have your homestead and vehicle ready for whatever Old Man Winter may bring on this year. Then you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sledding, skiing, and making snow angels with the kids!