The change in seasons can effect people in different ways, especially when there is a significant change, such as going from a warm season to a cold one. It’s critical to be aware of some of the things that may happen so that you’re better prepared. While we, including myself, may think that we understand how to prepare, it may be a good idea to receive a refresher on some key points. This winter season has been a chilly one. 

Securing everything for the winter doesn’t have to be a huge hassle! All it takes is just double-checking that everything is working, and taking action to restore anything that might need to be replaced. This would ease some of the stressors during the winter for you and your wallet. 

Each upcoming winter season, my family and I like to take initiative steps to ensure we have some of the basics to survive a cold winter. We like to ensure we stock up on essentials such as perishable food items, water, portable charges (so that you’re able to charge your device without needing an outlet), flashlights, batteries, etc. Having these things on hand would be beneficial because as many of us know, Washington enjoys being unpredictable. It’s not fun having to make the trip to the store during harsh road conditions, so why not take these preventative measures so that you’re able to stay warm and safe during this chilly time?

Winter and Your Home 

• Some things that you can do to winterize your house can be things like:

  • Ensure that electrical, installation, and wiring are free from any possible damages or tears. 
  • Check your heater systems, smoke detectors, alarms, etc.
  • Stocking up on any perishable and canned foods, water, medications, batteries, etc. (this would be crucial in case there were any power outages) 
  • Having extra blankets, candles, and flashlights at the ready 
  • Obtaining a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in the event of something unexpected

 

Winter and Your Vehicle 

 Many people tend to enjoy driving in the snow. I encourage  staying home so that you’re safe, but with that said, there are times when it’s inevitable to make the journey outside. Having our vehicles prepared for these times is just as important as winterizing your house. Another factor to consider would be to make sure your vehicle is set for the winter. 

A few things that I like to do to make sure my car is prepared are: 

• Checking my tires and tire pressure (to make sure the thread is still good and there aren’t any tears)
• Having a first aid kit in the car 
• Checking my overall engine for any potential leaks, smells, unusual sounds, etc. 

For more information about keeping your vehicle ready for the winter season, I’d recommend referencing the Kelly Blue Book. They provide excellent information that is concise and easy to follow.

Winter and School

Having to worry about school during the winter season can be stressful. I think it is important to be attentive to school alerts regarding a closure due to any inclement weather. If there isn’t an emergent reason to go out, especially since school might be closed, just stay home. Your safety and that of those around you matter. The bright side to this is that the University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia College both have alert sign-ups so that you can be up-to-date with any updates about a potential closure. 

• Alert Sign-ups for Cascadia College Students: https://www.cascadia.edu/services/emergency/alert.aspx
• Alert Sign-ups for UW-Bothell Students: https://www.uwb.edu/emergency/weather

When I have to commute somewhere, and there is snow on the roads, I like to reference the WA State DOT Traffic Cameras to get a glimpse of how prepared I should be or if I should remain at home until the time being. 

Preparing for the winter season doesn’t have to be hectic. I think that taking initiative to ensure you have everything settled is key to surviving a cold winter season. The following sources are a great reference to use when preparing for the winter season. 

• CDC – Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter 
• How to Winterize A House – Forbes 
• Winter Weather – Ready.gov 
• 5 energy Saving Tips to Stay Warm and Save Money This Winter 

Remaining indoors due to the inclement weather doesn’t have to be boring! The UW Bothell / Cascadia College Campus Library and the King County Library System both have excellent resources and online access for you to keep busy with e-books, podcasts, and more! If you’d like to search for podcasts or episodes, Listen Notes has an excellent selection of online podcasts that will help keep you entertained on a snowy day! 

Remember to stay safe and cozy out there! 

 

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