8 Tips for Winterizing Your Home

Last year’s winter season will be remembered for bringing record-breaking snowfall to much of the country, with cities including Detroit and Chicago having some of their snowiest months on record. Parts of America were unprepared for the heavy storms, such as Georgia, where winter storms caused an estimated $25 million in damages.

Homes not prepared for such heavy snow can see damage ranging from burst pipes to a collapsed roof. Fixing these damages could be expensive, so prepping your house for the colder months in autumn is a smart approach. By following these tips on winterizing your home, you can help avoid costly repairs this winter season.

1. Fortify your roof to prevent ice dams

Ice dams, which occur when water builds up behind an ice blockage, can cause damage to ceilings and roofs by allowing melting snow to leak into a home. To prevent ice dams from forming, you need to keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves. Take this time to increase ventilation, add insulation, and seal off possible air leaks to be ice dam free.

2. Insulate pipes

When water pipes freeze and burst, they can cause water damage. Avoid flooding and a messy cleanup by insulating your water pipes with materials such as heating tape and fiberglass.

3. Seal air leaks

By preventing cold air from leaking into your home, you can save money on your energy bills and also make your home warmer. To reduce air leakage, place a sweep at the base of your door and apply caulk or weather-stripping around drafty windows.

4. Seal the attic

Sealing the attic is a great way to avoid heat loss through your roof in future winters. Make sure your attic insulation is 12 inches deep. If you’re going to install a new layer of insulation over an existing one, avoid using kraft-faced insulation, which can lead to moisture problems.

5. Weather-strip the doors and windows

Melting snow can lead to mold and mildew problems around your windows and doors. Seal up any gaps with weather-stripping seals or caulking to prevent moisture from getting in.

6. Inspect the furnace and chimney

Make sure your furnace and chimney are in working order before the cold weather hits. Both should be cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional each year to ensure safe and efficient use.

7. Prune your trees

Snow and ice buildup on trees can cause branches to break and land on your house. If a tree is close to your home, prune its branches and cut down any low-hanging limbs before the start of the winter.

8. Install wind-proofing materials

Strong winds can cause substantial damage to your property. To help avoid wind damage this winter, install wind-proofing features such as permanent window shutters and impact-resistant shingles

Safe Ways to Stay Warm in a House With No Heat

Whether you’re trying to save money on your utility bill, dealing with a power outage or shivering through a furnace breakdown, staying warm in a home with sub-zero temperatures outside can be a challenge. Here are some ways to keep toasty.

 

 

 

Seal doors

 

Prevent outside air from getting inside your home by installing door sweeps at the bottom of all exterior doors. They’re inexpensive, simple to put on and can keep dust and pests out, too.

 

Weatherize windows

 

Keep cold air out of your home by sealing window gaps.

 

Insulate the attic

 

An under-insulated attic lets cold air in and warm air out. Proper insulation, however, can not only keep your home comfortable by retaining warm air from the heater or furnace, but can save up to 20% on your utility bill. Check out our fun infographic for more DIY home projects.

 

Let the sun in

 

Open your curtains, shades and blinds and let the sunshine in. Natural sunlight is warm, free and it can even give your mood a boost.

 

Dress warmly

 

Rather than immediately cranking up the thermostat when you get chilly, add a sweater or dress in layers. Still cold? Pull on some thermal socks and snuggle up in a cozy blanket.

 

Get active

 

Raise your body temperature by walking, exercising indoors or cleaning. You’ll feel warmer, lose calories and will have spiffed up the house. Save on your heating bill and keep your home comfortably warm on frigid days by following the tips above.

8 Helpful Safety Tips for Driving in a Snowstorm

 

The first winter storm of the year brought heavy snow, strong winds and record-low temperatures to much of the country. Icy roads were blamed for several deaths and numerous car accidents. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) estimates 168,300 crashes a year occur on snowy or icy pavement. If you absolutely must drive, follow these tips for driving in the snow.

 

1. Maintain a safe following distance

 

Ensure there are 3 seconds between your car and the vehicle in front of you to give yourself enough time to stop safely and avoid a collision. In slick or icy conditions, double the 3-second rule to 6 seconds.

 

2. Clear snow

 

If you’re can’t see out all vehicle windows, you can’t drive safely. Remove snow and ice from all windows and side mirrors.

 

3. De-ice your windshield

 

Keep your windshield washer tank full at all times. Be sure wiper blades are in good condition.

4. Learn how to control a skid

 

In a skid, help gain control by steering in the direction you want your vehicle to go.

 

5. Avoid using cruise control

 

You need to be alert and in control at all times, so save cruise control for normal road conditions.

 

6. Reduce your speed

 

Slow down. It can take much longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions.

 

7. Use your anti-lock brakes (ABS) properly

 

ABS brakes can be effective. Just maintain firm, constant pressure. Your vehicle owners’ manual explains how they work and how they should be used in inclement conditions.

 

8. Install snow tires

 

Compared to all-weather tires, snow or winter tires have tread designed to maintain a better grip on icy and snowy surfaces. Experts recommend installing winter tires on all 4 wheels.

 

For added peace of mind, create an emergency car kit using our list of winter driving gear. Driving in snow increases the chances of an accident, so prepare yourself by remembering these safety tips when you get on the road.

Fun Indoor Activities to Beat Winter Boredom

 

 

Are the brutal sub-zero temperatures, blizzards and short days keeping your little ones cooped up indoors? Cure cabin fever with these fun winter activities for kids:

 

Get creative with a DIY project

 

Bring out the craft supplies and help your youngster’s inner artist shine through. Kid-made thank-you notes and birthday cards are personal, creative and cute. To make a flower design, for instance, have your little one simply dip their fingers into finger paint and press on a piece of paper to make petals and leaves.

 

Take a healthy cooking class

 

Introduce basic food preparation skills by teaching your kids how to cook healthy meals. They’ll learn how to read recipes, follow instructions, measure ingredients and establish good nutritional habits, while making tasty treats. Before you head to the kitchen, be sure to follow safe cooking practices.

 

Learn the value of giving

 

Have your children search their closets for outgrown clothes or toys they’re willing to part with. Rather than throwing these items away or waiting for your spring yard sale, donate them to a local charity like the Salvation Army. You’re helping the less fortunate and getting rid of clutter.

 

Get off the couch and exercise

 

Turn off the TV or video games and start moving! Doing scavenger hunts, participating in obstacle courses, even having pillow fights are a few ways to keep kids active.

 

Build a fort

 

On a frosty day, there’s no better way to stay warm than building a cozy fort out of blankets, chairs and pillows. Kids love to pretend that they’re in a secret hideaway, so let your child’s imagination run wild while they build their own creative fortress.

 

Don’t let the freezing temperatures put a chill on your winter fun. These indoor activities for kids will help keep the winter blues away.

 

What other kid-friendly indoor activities would you add to the list?

12 Must-Have Winter Emergency Car Kit Items

A snow-covered landscape may be a beautiful sight, but icy roads, strong winds and snowdrifts can make winter driving treacherous. It’s wise to have an emergency kit in your car in case it gets stuck or breaks down. Here are some items it should contain:

 

 

1. Ice scraper or snow brush

 

Poor visibility can make driving dangerous. Remove ice and snow from your all your windows.

 

2. Windshield washer fluid

 

Since you may use more windshield washer fluid on snowy and icy days, keep your fluid reservoir full and carry an extra jug of winter-rated fluid in your trunk.

 

3. Foldable shovel

 

Stuck in the snow? It’s smart to keep a small shovel in your trunk to help dig your wheels out.

 

4. Sand, salt, or cat litter

 

Keep a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk. Throw several handfuls under spinning tires for better traction on snow or ice.

 

5. Jumper cables

 

Car batteries take a beating in the winter, so carry jumper cables. Be sure to read directions about how to connect them to a working vehicle.

 

6. Flares or reflective triangles

 

You want to be seen if your car breaks down or is stuck. Emergency flashing lights, flares and reflective triangles can alert oncoming traffic of your plight.

 

7. Flashlight and batteries

 

Always carry a flashlight and fresh batteries. It helps you to see and be seen by other drivers.

 

8. Tow rope

 

A tow rope of proper strength can be used to pull your vehicle out by another. Check your car’s owners manual for how and where to attach the rope and how to proceed.

 

9. Cell phone and charger

 

Be sure your cell phone is fully charged or you have a phone charger in your car. Or consider having a backup phone to contact a towing service or emergency personnel.

 

10. First-aid kit

 

A first-aid kit can save your life in an emergency. Consider purchasing a pre-stocked kit or make sure your DIY version contains bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, antiseptic, scissors, thermometer, safety pins, tweezers and hand sanitizer.

 

11. Blankets and hand warmers

 

Keep a warm blanket, sleeping bag or metallic “space blanket” in your car to help retain body heat and keep you warm if you’re stranded. Hand warmers and an extra pair of gloves are smart ideas, as well.

 

12. Bottled water

 

A person can live for days without food, but our bodies need water. Avoid dehydration by stashing several bottles of water in your trunk.

 

If you live where snowfall is common, a winter emergency car kit is essential, but take precautions to avoid getting into an emergency situation. Have your mechanic give your car a bumper-to-bumper once-over to ensure it’s ready for winter driving.

Winter Driving Tips

Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. AAA reminds motorists to be cautious while driving in adverse weather. For more information on winter driving, the association offers the How to Go on Ice and Snow brochure, available through most AAA offices. Contact your local AAA club for more information.

 

AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:

 

Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.

Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

Make certain your tires are properly inflated.

Never mix radial tires with other tire types.

Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.

If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.

Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).

Always look and steer where you want to go.

Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

 

Tips for long-distance winter trips:

• Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
• Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
• Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA’s telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Don’t over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
• If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.

Tips for driving in the snow:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.