Tips to Prepare for the Winter

This weekend looks to be the first sign of winter, with freezing temperatures and maybe even freezing precipitation.

Before driving, make sure the windshield is clear of ice. De-icing solutions can be found at department stores or made at home.

Lifehacker.com http://lifehacker.com/5129993/homemade-windshield-de+icer-fends-off-frost recommends, “Use a bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol (50% works, too, but not as well) with a few drops of dish soap. Apply liberally to the glass with a spray bottle. (Readers also recommend adding alcohol to the washer fluid container, with a 50/50 mix, to keep wiper lines from freezing up in the winter.)”

It is also advisable to make sure lights are clean and visible to other cars.

Weather.com has these tips for safe driving on icy roads. http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/drivingsafety/drivingsafetytips/snow.html

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
5. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
6. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first

As for your house, wrap exterior pipes, bring plants indoors, and make sure outside pets have shelter from the wind and the wet.