Here in Oklahoma, our winters are sporadic. Throughout the season it snows, freezes, gets hot, and sometimes it just rains a lot. We never pack up our summer and winter clothes since we use them all year long. The only thing that we do know, is that it never snows in the summer time here. On occasions we have those bursts of freezing temps for a few days, which causes power outages and frozen pipes.
Anyways, We all know what a normal winter should bring. Here's a list to help you get started if you haven't already. Be smart and stay Prepared.
Your vehicle. I always start off with your vehicle, because if you can't stay in your house for some reason, then you can always load up and go to a family members' house.
Please take note that this list is all optional. Everyone has a different setting and preference. This is my basic To Do list.
Check the necessities! You should do this at the start of every season.
--Brake fluid
--Transmission fluid
--Radiator fluid (know which kind you need!)
--Oil
--Window washer fluid (the kind for winter, or add a little bit rubbing alcohol to a full tank)
--Check your wiper blades. Just replace them if you live in OK. The heat already killed them. :)
--Check your exhaust for leaks (Most any local muffler shop wont have a problem checking your exhaust. If there is a problem, ask them if they will show it to you.)
--Check all tires, even the spare. Make sure their at the right pressure. Replace tire if the tread is gone. Please don't put other people at risk by driving on sleds.
--Check that all lights are working.
--Check the belts, and replace if needed. I keep a spare serpentine belt in my VEDC.I do know how to install it. ;)
To have in your vehicle.
--Your emergency bag (Should have most of your needs already. Snacks, flashlight, firestarter, toilet paper, etc...Most things that you would like to have if you were stranded, or camping)
--Blanket (I like the cheap fleece blankets, and their easy to store)
--Ice scraper/De-icer (NEVER pour warm or hot water on your iced over windows. They will either break or you just poured water into every crevace that will now freeze)
--Gloves (Pretty much anything not fluffy will help)
--Bottled water (I keep a tote with bottles to drink, and then an Ozarka gal bottle for anything else)
--Add hand warmers and ice walkers to your emergency bag.
--Road salt (I keep a small coffee can)
--Shovel, if you can spare the room. I'm in search for a small compact shovel that isn't over $20. Also smaller than the ones that you pick up at Walmart. It has to fit into my rear door with my jack.
--A road map. Know the snow routes in your area. Snow routes are the first places that get cleared in bad weather. Usually roads that let emergency vehicles get anywhere around.
Preparing your Home for Winter
--Everyone hates to do it, but ya gotta clean them windows to let some sun in.
--If your using a fireplace or pellet stove, make sure to bring your fuel close to grab. I always hated going out to chisel ice and snow off the firewood at the back of the yard. Pellet stoves are neat, but rather than bring in a bag of pellets, buy a trash can and place it on the porch or in the laundry room. Pour the bags into the can and get you a scooper. It helps.
--If using any gas to heat your home, find out if they will do a free test to check for leaks. Most propane places will test before filling the tank.
--Make sure that you clear areas your heating source. Please watch those space heaters. We actually passed a housefire this morning in our local town. I hope everyone was safe.
--Cover your outside faucets and exposed pipes. I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but it is often overlooked because of the simplicity. Don't be the dumb person trying to repair a broken line in the freezing cold because you kept putting it off.
--If you have a wellhouse, the same goes for covering the pipes. Wrap anything exposed, make sure that you have appropriate room if you have to place a heater in the wellhouse.
--Clean off the porches. This may not be a big thing at the moment, but it will be to Mom/Wife. A clear area to knock the ice and snow off yourself before entering the house, will make Mom/Wife much happier to pick up your soggy wet clothing.
--On a windy day, check each room for drafts! Expandafoam or any sealers are good to invest in. Remember that you can get foam that doesn't expand, and then some that expands several inches. Baseboards and plumbing holes are usually the chill catchers.
--Change air filters, and check dryer and stove vent exits.
--Clean your gutters of whatever Fall brought you.
--Fill your outside water storage, if any.
--Roll up the waterhoses and make sure they are empty.
--Fill any holes dug by animals. This absolutely sucks when there's snow or ice on the ground.
--Rock salt for your walkway or driveway.
--Fill or check your water storage.
--Prep your preps. Stock up on items that you use a lot.
--Clean the ice chest out from the summer. If the power goes out, use the ice chest on the porch to keep your food in.
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