With Old Man Winter right around the corner, taking the time to do your due diligence and be prepared for any challenges should be on your to-do list. Whether you’re at home or on the road, here are a few best practices to follow so you and your family can stay safe this winter season:

Home Safety

• Have a minimum of seven days worth of food, water and necessities in the event of a power outage or storm that keeps you housebound
• Keep a bag of ice melt or salt for icy stairs and walkways
• Clean out your gutters and downspouts
• Cut away tree branches that hang over your house.
• Turn off water to outdoor spigots
• Disconnect your sprinkler system
• Drain and store any outdoor hoses
• Bring outdoor furniture indoors
• Bring your grill and propane tank out of the elements
• Make sure you have a snow shovel or snow blower if you do your own snow removal
• Use a small shovel when the snow is wet
• If you shovel your drive or walkways, take your time, drink water, take breaks often and stop if you feel out of breath, strained or sore
• Insulate any pipes susceptible to freezing
• Install a water, leak and freeze detection system
• When temperatures are severely low, keep a stream of water running in a few faucets to guard against freezing and bursting pipes
• Seal any cracks or gaps around doors and windows
• Service any furnaces, boilers, and chimneys
• Set your ceiling fans to run counterclockwise
• Replace furnace filters
• Inspect wood stoves or fireplaces

Auto Safety

• Install snow tires or chains
• Clear off your headlights and taillights
• Check and maintain your tire pressure
• Install winter wipers
• Replace your wiper fluid with freeze-resistant wiper fluid
• Consider switching to thinner oil
• Get your battery tested
• Maintain the correct antifreeze/water mixture to prevent fluid from freezing in your radiator
• Check your rear window defroster
• Keep your gas tank full
• Pack an emergency kit with a flashlight, flares, matches, blankets, a winter coat, leather gloves, hats, a small shovel, a bag of sand, jumper cables, an ice scraper, extra antifreeze, water, and snacks

Driving Safety

• Leave a little early so you are not rushed
• Keep a safe following distance from other vehicles, giving you extra space to brake and stay out of other vehicles’ blind spots.
• Only use cruise control when driving on dry roads
• Limit abrupt steering and braking.