Pearls of Prevention

I hate being cold. Once you get that chill, it is so hard to warm up again. I am lucky that we have a snuggly dog that gives off heat like a furnace. So while I am with the dogs, my husband is doing the "house work."

Winterizing your home can save you money and keep you safe. Have your furnace checked before you need to turn it on. Change the filters yearly. If you have any windows that are drafty, cover them in plastic or re-caulk them. Use door runners if you have drafty doors. In case of power outages, keep candles, matches, flashlights, batteries, and a battery powered radio in an easy-to-remember and easy-to-get-to location. Your smoke detectors should be checked to make sure they are in working condition. Batteries for the smoke detectors should be changed twice a year. An easy-to-remember thought is to change the batteries with each daylight savings change. Have your flue or chimney inspected for those of you who have a fireplace.

What in the world are you to do if you lose heat? Close off rooms that you are not using. You can place a towel or runner at the base of the door to lose less heat. If you have any extra towels, sheets or blankets, cover the windows at night again to lose less heat. Only use approved indoor heating devices to heat your rooms. Never, ever bring in the grill or open up the oven to help heat rooms. Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of fire from the new heating source.

I do not know about you, but I hate having to go grocery shopping during a blizzard because we are out of peanut butter! Make sure you have a week's forth of food on hand. Stock up on non-perishable food items. Also remember pet food as well. Check to see how much medications you have. Can you have your prescription filled before the storm is to hit?

Now that I am toasty warm, time to play with the dogs …