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Ready for the big chill?
Oh you feel her all right. You know winter is lurking in that dim waking light, at the edge of the 5 p.m. sundown and in that rain that spits something a bit less liquid at you. You know she's about to pounce, then plummet us into weeks, even months of freezing weather.
Maybe you're feeling a bit paralyzed by it. She can do that Ms. Winter. But if you want to get through this one with a smile on your face, you best prepare for her. Winter can be a beautiful season as long as you don't let her get the upper hand.
Bob Day, shop manager at Portsmouth's Davis Tire and Auto Service, says folks are coming in daily looking to get the car ready for the winter. There's the usual "check the tires, the antifreeze, the hoses." Unfortunately some people don't take it as far as they should, he says. The tires are the biggest issue. More people are using the winter specific tires, but not enough to his mind.
"Nothing works better. Some use the all-season. But they just really don't work well when it's snowing hard; unless you think going white knuckling it at 20 miles an hour is actually working it. I don't think that's working," he says.
If you do very little driving in the winter, the all-season is fine. But if you have a real commute winter tires are a must, "and not two, but four, because turning and stopping is a really big deal," he says laughing. "Going is not a big deal. Getting stuck is no big deal. But if you can't turn or stop ... that's a problem." When folks with long commutes say they can't afford them, Day's usual retort is "what's your insurance deductible."
"It's well worth the pain. It's a matter of security and safety," he says. "Otherwise stay home."
Day also recommends checking brakes; get them cleaned and lubed, "truly working all the way around." Also check the wipers and heating system. "You don't want it not to be working properly in a snowstorm — no defroster."
Day also recommends putting gloves, extra warm clothes and a blanket in the car "You don't want to be the one walking up the road in the suit. ...; Keep provisions in your car."
Finally when driving "take your time," and don't think that four wheel drive is going to protect you any.
"Four wheel drives do not turn any better. ...; Don't stop any better. It can get you going ...; not stopped. It's always the four wheel drive in the ditch."
Do It Yourself.com has the home preparation list all laid out for you. Even if you don't intend to actually do the work it's good to refer to while you're calling those contractors.
First on their list, heating, which they do not suggest you do yourself. Get it inspected and serviced to insure safety as well as function. Change and clean the filter; check all electrical components and controls, get the motor oiled, inspect for cracks (a cause of carbon monoxide in the home), check the air flow and the air fuel mixture. Also check the thermostat for proper operation.
If you have a woodstove be sure to call in a pro to check the chimney before firing up.
They also suggest investing in a high-quality carbon monoxide detector and testing smoke alarms throughout the house.
Next, it's time to make sure your house stays warm. Insulate the attic, and seal up cracks throughout the building. Check for cracks around frames, pipes, electrical outlets chimney and fireplace and around the dryer and kitchen vents as well.
Another important preparation is insulating pipes. Frozen ones can be downright nasty. Pipes along exterior walls and crawl spaces are at greatest risk, along with the outdoor pipe.
Pat Moretti, general manager at Ricci Lumber, says he sees a lot of that: folks who didn't wrap pipes and end up without water, or worse burst pipes and flooding.
He warns it's not only important to do the preparations, but to do so before temperatures tumble. Too often people come running to the shop looking for items while the wind is blowing and the temp freezing.
"It's usually sealing up windows ...; weather stripping ...; and caulking," says Moretti. "And it's hard to do those on those days." First, if it's windy chances are the plastic sealing is flapping in the wind and won't give you a tight fit. But more importantly, both window sealing and weather stripping are applied with an adhesive strip. "It's worthless if it's too cold, it won't stick," he says. "It might work for a day, but it's going to peel off in hours if not a day." Caulking won't cure in cold temperatures either.
Preparing the human body is a bit trickier. Paul Burlingame has owned Rising Tide natural food store for 35 years and has watched folks who take prevention seriously. There are all kinds of approaches, he says. But two have stood out over the years of listening to people's feedback. "Elderberry," he says. "It helps fortify the body ...; against viral attack." His other recommendation is Kold Kare, created by Kare-n-Herbs a company in York Harbor, Maine. "It has the herb andrographis, which boosts the immune system."
He also suggests a healthy intake of the right types of fats. It too helps fortify the body. But the season is brutal on the skin and the fat helps keep it fed and supple.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots for people in high risk categories, at a minimum.
Another prevention tip is adopting the hand washing regimen of health-care givers. When hands are dirty or soiled, use soap and water. Otherwise use an alcohol-based hand rub. They've proven as effective as surgical scrub. After children have played in germ-laden areas — rub 'em down!
The Red Cross goes into winter preparation at great length on its Web site, www.redcross.org/services/prepare, much of it focused on dealing with actual storms. But it also recommends a disaster kit be prepared. First keep extra blankets and warm outerwear for each member of the family on hand. And pack a disaster supply kit with a first aid kit and essential medications, a battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries, canned food and a can opener, bottled water (at least one gallon of per person per day to last at least 3 days).
It's probably a good move to check on the usual supplies as well. Is the windshield scraper in need of replacing? What about the shovel, or snow blower?
Finally, Lynne Dawson, shelter manager, at Cocheco Valley Humane Society, has a few recommendations for our furry friends. While she does not suggest allowing dogs to stay out in inclement weather, if it's necessary, prepare a proper shelter. "It should have an area to allow the dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down and allow the natural body heat to be retained," she says. Be sure the dog has water. "If it's freezing, they shouldn't be out."
If you have a small, short-haired dog, it's time to go coat shopping. "They do need it. They get cold so quickly."
Other recommendations: don't let the animals be around when changing the antifreeze be. They like the sweet liquid, but it's deadly. Also buy ice break-up chemicals that are safe for animals. Many hurt paws.
As for cats — that's simple. "Keep them in!" she says — a sentiment many of us will hope for ourselves once that white stuff starts falling.
Sent: 19/11/2007
Email us direct at: repairs@londonheatingservices.co.uk
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