Be Prepared for Anything up to 60% off!
Be Prepared for Anything up to 60% off!
Life’s full of ups and downs, so it’s always best to be prepared for when those speed bumps come along. Complete your emergency checklist with this extensive collection of precautionary provisions. Food storage, first aid kits, self-defense accessories and more are ready to give you peace of mind.
Get your car ready for winter part two
Yesterday I told you about my latest get ready for winter task, getting my car ready for winter. Today I am looking at getting my car ready for winter part two. Lately I have talked a lot about winter weather preparations. We looked at getting our yards, homes, food storage, emergency supplies and more ready for winter. All of these preparations will be worth it once winter temperatures and weather hits. When preparing for winter weather it is always best to prepare for the worst possible conditions you may be facing. When preparing for winter weather I think it is always better to be over prepared than under prepared.
In the bad weather it is definitely better to minimize travel, but if travel is necessary, keeping your car ready to operate safely in severe weather is a must. I can’t say that enough. Winter weather can provide a variety of unexpected vehicle emergency situations. These are some of the things I am doing, follow along and get your car ready for winter part two.
Window washer fluid for cold temps
This is easy and inexpensive but the results are huge. Change your windshield wiper fluid to a fluid with deicer. It makes keeping a clean and clear windshield so much easier. Being able to see well is a huge safety issue, obstructed vision can contribute to accidents. Spend a couple of dollars and check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
Windshield wipers
While you are changing your windshield wiper fluid, check your windshield wipers. Do they appear to be free from tears and cracks? Are they brittle or flexible? Replace your windshield wipers if they are damaged or worn. You need good windshield wipers to avoid obstructed vision, which can contribute to accidents. Again, spend a couple of dollars and check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
Gas tank de-icer
This is sold at most discount and big box stores. Adding it when you fill your car up with gas can help you avoid having your fuel line ice up. One more time, spend a couple of dollars and check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
Keep gas tank at least half full
Remember to always keep your gas tank at least half full. This helps keep condensation from building up in your gas tank. Condensation in your gas tank equals water and ice, something you do not want. If you become stuck in traffic or stranded having at least a half tank of gas can help you avoid an emergency. This is a freebie, you don’t have to spend any money to check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
Spare tire
Check your spare tire. Is it in good shape? Is it inflated properly? If you have to use it, you want it to be ready to go. This is another good thing to remember as we work through the list to get car ready for winter part two.
Brakes
How about the brakes in your car? Brakes are not something you want to ignore in winter weather. Stopping on less than ideal road conditions requires brakes and a braking system that is in good shape. If you notice anything unusual when braking, have your brakes checked by a professional.
Heater and defroster
These are probably working just fine or you would have already noticed. It is easy to tell because you are cold and your windows fog up. If for some reason you haven’t checked these yet, now is the time. Also check to be sure the vents are not covered or obstructed. Hopefully this is another freebie and you don’t have to spend any money to check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
After we’ve checked all of these things on our get your car ready for winter part two list, our cars should be ready to get through winter weather and driving a bit more safely. Have an idea or tip that wasn’t mentioned? We’d love to hear it!
Car Winter Checklist Part Three!
As I have mentioned this week, winter preparations are in full swing at my house. Last week I talked about getting our yards and homes ready. We talked about food storage and emergency supplies. This week I have been talking about making a car winter checklist. Who knew there would be so much to say about what you need to keep in your car in the winter!? We talked about common, already in the car items and some items we need to add specifically for winter. Today we are ending this series with the items on the car winter checklist part three.
I said it already this week but I am going to say it again – it really is that important. In the bad weather you should travel only when absolutely necessary. It is better to minimize travel, but if you must travel, please keep your car equipped with items you need in an emergency. Winter weather can provide a variety of unexpected emergency situations. Today we are going to talk about the last of the items on my car winter checklist part three.
Water
Water almost seems like something you don’t need to keep in the car. If it is winter, there is bound to be plenty of snow to melt right? No, add water to you vehicle car winter checklist part three, you need it. Water can be essential to surviving being stranded in your vehicle.
Snack food
Snack food is another car winter checklist part three item that you want to add. Add quick and easy snacks that are full of nutrients and can help you stay full and nourished if you are stranded in your car. Skip the potato chips and go for nuts or protein bars.
Extra hats, coats, and mittens
If you become stranded, you’ll want these items too. Extra hats, coats and mittens are essential to staying warm if you become stranded in your car. Sometimes we are quick to take short trips without this essential winter gear, we are going from a war car into a warm destination. We won’t need a coat or hat right? Wrong. Severe weather has trapped people in their vehicles close to home. If your car becomes stuck and you must walk even a short distance, not having these items will be a big deal. Add these items to your car winter checklist part three.
Blankets
Having blankets in the car is a lot like having the extra coats, hats and gloves. If you become stuck, you will need to be able to stay warm. Running the car engine to stay warm is dangerous. You’ll need to stay warm with the car turned off. Mylar thermal emergency blankets are a great idea for adding to your car’s emergency supplies. Make sure this item is on your car winter checklist part three.
Road maps
This is a good idea if you are traveling far from home or in unfamiliar areas. Severe weather could close a commonly used road. If you need to switch routes, a map will be an excellent resource. You will get an idea of road quality and terrain from a map, in the winter this is critical information than you will not get from a road sign.
Waterproof matches and a can
If your travel takes you through an area where you could become stranded and need to build a fire, add these materials too. You should have packed water in your car but this can help provide additional water if needed.
Items for baby or pets
Don’t forget the baby or the pets! If you will be traveling with a baby or a pet, remember the specialty items that they need. Diapers, formula, pet food, leash, all will be needed if you become stranded in your car. Add the baby or pet items to your car winter checklist part three.
Whew! That’s a lot to think about for your car and winter weather! Have you prepared your Add these items to your car winter checklist part three? (Or parts one or two?) Have more tips and ideas? We’d love to hear from you!
Car Winter Checklist Part Two
As I mentioned yesterday, winter preparations are in full swing at my house and I’ve been sharing this on the blog. We talked about getting our yards and homes ready. We talked about food storage, emergency supplies and yesterday we talked about some of the items we need to have in our vehicles. Our cars are often overlooked as an important place to get ready for winter weather. That’s caused me to think about a car winter checklist. We talked about common, already in the car items yesterday and today we are moving on to car winter checklist part two, items we need to add specifically for winter.
I said it yesterday but I am going to say it again – it is that important. In the bad weather it is definitely better to minimize travel, but if travel is necessary, keeping your car equipped with items you need in an emergency is a must. Winter weather can provide a variety of unexpected emergency situations. You might need to add the following car winter checklist part two items to your vehicle:
Tire chains
Tire chains can be necessary if you need to drive through canyons or on other snow packed roads. They can be inexpensive and purchased at most auto parts and stores like Target or WalMart. They take up very little trunk space and can provide peace of mind when driving in bad weather. This car winter checklist part two item is a good one to add to your vehicle this winter.
Shovel
A shovel is a must have if you get stuck in the snow. You’ll need to be able to dig yourself out. This car winter checklist part two item is much better than trying to dig with your hands or whatever you can find in your car.
Road salt, sand or kitty litter
If you are stuck in the snow or on the ice, any of these car winter checklist part two items will give you traction. Adding traction can make the difference between being stuck, possibly for hours, and being able to get out of a bad weather situation.
Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
If you do get stuck, having a car winter checklist part two item like a battery powered radio will keep you aware and informed. You won’t want to overuse the car radio because you could drain the battery.
Flashlight with extra batteries
Have a flashlight with extra batteries in your car. If you get stuck at night you will need a light source. A flashlight with extra batteries is a car winter checklist part two must have item.
Bright colored flag or help signs
If you get trapped in a major snow storm, you may end up waiting out the storm in your car. A brightly colored flag or help sign will alert emergency responders to your location. Adding these items to your car winter checklist part two can help you get rescued in a severe storm.
Are these on your car winter checklist? Want to suggest something we forgot? Watch our blog tomorrow for even more winter specific items to keep in your car. There are more items than you might think! See you then!
Emergency supplies for winter
All week long I have talking about getting ready for winter. It will be here before we know it. There is so much to do and get ready. Today I have been thinking about getting the emergency supplies for winter ready. If you are like me, you probably have a lot of these items already. It is just a good time to check your emergency supplies for winter and make sure they are all gathered and ready. Here is a list of a few of the things I am getting ready.
Flashlights or Lanterns
I’m sure most of us have flashlights and lanterns already. Are they in working order? Do they batteries and bulbs work? Do you know where they are? If you have kids like mine there is no guarantee when it comes to most of the flashlights. Track them down, make sure they work and put them in a few places that will be easy to get to in an emergency. This is one of the most important steps in getting emergency supplies for winter ready.
Batteries
Do you have extra batteries for flashlights, radios and other battery operated items? Think about the kids’ toys, do you want to be sure to have batteries for their favorites? I know if the power is out, it is nice to let them play with something to keep them busy. Batteries are an important item to have when you gather your emergency supplies for winter.
Emergency Radio
Do you have an emergency radio? Or a battery operated radio that can be used in emergencies? Radio communications are still very important in severe weather. Weather updates, power outages and other vital information is often broadcast on local radio stations.
Water
If pipes freeze and break your water supply could be cut off, restricted or made unsafe to drink. Now is a good time to make sure the water in your storage is fresh and in good shape. Be sure your water storage isn’t in a location where it can freeze and make a mess. Water is another very important item on your emergency supplies for winter checklist.
Heat source
This is one of those items that will be so good to have if you need it. Have a plan for a night without power. Locate sleeping bags and extra blankets. Make sure you have enough wood for the fireplace or wood stove. Do you have a safe space heater? Don’t use your oven for heat! A way to stay warm is another very important item on your emergency supplies for winter checklist.
Easy to prepare – no cooking foods
This is another important item that I talked about yesterday. You can see yesterday’s blog here: https://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/food-items-stock-winter You’ll want to have some easy to prepare and eat meals that don’t require power to prepare. Remember to have a non-electric can opener on hand. Also have food and supplies for babies and pets. This is another very important thing to remember when making sure everything on your emergency supplies for winter checklist is ready.
Have more tips to share with us? We’d love to hear them!
Organize those winter things – get your kids ready for cold weather!
For many of us winter weather is just around the corner and fall weather is already here. At my house we have turned on the fireplace a few times. We are prepping the furnace today and I’m sure we’ll turn it on soon. Every fall when I get the furnace ready I start thinking about the winter things my kids need. Beyond the quick switch to long sleeve shirts, jackets and jeans, there are always a lot of other things they need to be ready for winter weather.
One of the things I hate most is being unprepared. When cold weather hits and I have neglected to get all of the kids’ winter things ready, I am miserable. My kids end up miserable too because they are without something they need for a day or two (or more). After this happened to us once or twice, I decided to make a plan to keep it from happening again. Now when we prep the furnace, I try to prep my kids’ winter things. Below is a short checklist of what I try to do.
Locate all the winter clothes, shoes, toys
This step sounds easier than it is sometimes. I put a list together in my head (or on paper) and pull everything out of wherever it has been all summer. I grab coats, snow pants, hats, gloves, boots, scarves, all the winter things. This step does make quite a mess when I do it, I tend to pick a room or area in my house and pile everything there. Lots of times I find that things get relocated during the warm weather. I usually end up hunting all over for a few of the items. I included toys in this step. I don’t drag those in the house with the clothes but I do track them down and gather them in one spot in the garage.
Try it on and inspect it
This is probably my kids’ least favorite of the steps. I sort the winter things into piles for the different kids. As I sort it, if I find something that is too worn or damaged I toss it out. Once the piles are ready I make them try it on. I stopped relying on size tags years ago; sizes just vary too much to rely on the tags. If it works for that child it stays in the pile. If not, it goes back into a big pile.
Wash and clean it
This step is really simple. Wash and clean everything so it is ready on the day it is needed. Nothing is worse than pulling out something to use and finding it in less than wearable condition. I try to wash the kids’ piles separately so they don’t get too mixed up.
Find a place to keep it
Once the winter things are ready to wear, find a place for them. It needs to be easy and quick or most kids won’t put things away. For me it also needs to be tidy and reduce clutter. I bought some dollar store dishpans and keep them in the bottom of their cubbies. A quick label and it is obvious what goes in the bins. Once it is put away, it is ready to go.
Purchase needed items
There are always items to purchase, even with the best hand-me-downs and saved items. I get the winter things I need now. There is nothing fun about running last minute to get you child boots because the snow is starting to fall. Selection is usually great now and sales are starting.
Grab a spare
Don’t forget to grab a spare of the things like gloves and hats. These things go missing so easily and it is miserable without them.
Donate, sell or store the items that don’t fit
I love this step. When all of the usable winter things are sorted and put away, deal with the leftovers. Things that are too big can be put away and stored for next year. Things that are too small or extra can be donated or sold. Even getting a small bag of extra clutter out of your house can feel amazing!
Have more winter things prep tips? We’d love to hear them!