Cold and wind arrive in time to kick off Winter Weather Awareness Week

News 12 Staff

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Nov 3, 2020, 12:24 AM

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Updated 1,499 days ago

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It's November, and amid the Election Day craze is a reminder to begin prepping for the upcoming winter season.

Our National Weather Service office has decreed the first week of the month as Winter Weather Awareness Week.

The goal is to educate the public about winter weather hazards, in hope of protecting life and property during the cold weather season.

Each day of the week highlights a different aspect of winter weather, ranging from types of storms to preventative measures.

We here in the News 12 Weather Center think this a great opportunity to winterize your home and auto, and have provided some tips below.

Home

Check shovels and snowblowers to make sure they are in good, working condition.
Make sure that you are stocked up on sidewalk salt or ice melt.
Retrieve all winter outerwear that may have been packed away for the season.
Remove leaves from gutters.
Clean fireplaces and chimneys.
Check your home heating system.
Install storm windows or weather stripping to help reduce energy consumption.
Insulate water pipes or lines, especially those that may run along exterior walls.
Disconnect and drain any outdoor hoses.

Auto

Make your ice scraper/brush is readily available.
Check the battery before the real cold hits.
Swap out regular tires for snow tires, and check the pressure.
Change wiper blades if necessary, and replace regular windshield fluid with a winter formula.
Make sure your vehicle's emergency kit is stocked with the following:Portable phone charger, blankets or extra clothes, flashlight, tire air pump, jumper cables, road flares, a shovel, sand or cat litter for traction, bottled water, nonperishable food such as granola bars or dried nuts