Tips and Tricks for Winter Weather Survival

The storm has cleared, most driveways are shoveled enough to get out and snowmen are being built. The December Blizzard of 2010 in Maine was a cold and wild one with it’s whipping winds and snow putting the East Coast at a complete stand still. I managed to survive it without losing my power which I am incredibly grateful for, since I was broadcasting it live on the internet. Through the entire state there were just over 150 residents that lost power, which is darn good considering we’ve lost power over less. There might not be much work for the power company, but there is a bunch of work that was created from this storm. Plowing, shoveling, clearing roofs, car washes after that nasty dirt and salt build up. Let’s not forget the cost of living through this stuff we call “magical” at Christmas time. Oil, Gas, Washer Fluid, Tires, Scrapers.

Here are some of my tips and tricks I’ve been using to survive the Winter in Maine.

1.) Put a sweatshirt on before you crank up the heat. If you are still cold, go outside and do some work or exercise. When coming back inside, it will feel warm to you and not only that, you just exercised!

2.) Keep extra washer fluid in your car. You go through more than you think you do in the Winter and if you run out at the wrong time you can end up with dried up mud on your windows, making it a very dangerous situation when driving; especially when you get the sun glaring on it. IF you run out, pull over and use snow.

3.) Clean around your tires! Salt, Snow, Sand can build up around your tires and freeze, cause some major issues when turning at any given moment. Check all your tires before taking off and knock those little dirty chunks off.

4.) If snow is predicted, or you notice it start to snow, flip your windshield wipers up on your car so they don’t freeze to your windshield, tearing them, or get so buried you can’t use them to clear snow and ice, unless you chip away  to get to them. That makes for some cold hands, gloves or no gloves.

5.) Even if it’s above freezing temperatures and it looks like the snow is melting, beware of SLUSH! The stuff make you swerve, pulls you in and makes you lose control. Take it slow, even if you have four wheel drive.

6.) If you feel like you’re going too fast, you probably are. Don’t be intimidated by other drivers thinking you’re too slow. You’d rather get to your destination that day, not after you’ve healed from crashing. NEVER apply the brakes quickly. Softly hover over your brake or switch to a lower gear.

7.) During storms that are expected to produce a lot of snow, shovel a few inches at a time instead of everything at the end. It’s better on your back and you keep a clear path in case of an emergency.

8.) Make yourself a bag with extra clothing, shoes, blankets, flashlights, water, mini shovel. Basically a real survival kit in case you get stranded on the side of the road and you’ll be waiting for a while for assistance. No need to add hypothermia to that bad day.

9.) Call around to different heating fuel companies to see who has the best prices and deals on what you need. There could be sign up bonuses or just a better price in general. Most places will only deliver a minimum of 100 gallons which is over $300 for Kerosene 1 in Maine. Depending on your insulation and furnace, that can be a devastating monthly bill. Most people will burn through that easily in a month, keeping their houses at 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.

10.) NO PHONES!! In that one second you look down to see if Tommy is going to meet you at the mall, you could be inches away from hitting black ice, slush or snow, causing you to have a really bad day!

11.) DO NOT use warm or hot water to get the snow/ice  off from your windshield. It will crack. Use cool water or get some anti freeze washer that you can put in a spray bottle to leave in your car, in case your sprayers are frozen or covered.

12.) Bundle up in several layers. You can always peel them off if you get too warm. WAY better than not having enough clothing and freezing all day.

13.) Hygiene! Wash your hands, body, door knobs and basically anything you touch, a lot! Everyone around you will be sick but you and you’ll think you’re the lucky one, then BAM! If it does happen to you, drink lots of OJ and water. Clean your system right out!

Please do keep adding your tips and trick in the comment section below and share with your friends. Spreading the word can save a life. I’ll be making a video with the best tips very soon.

I hope you all are staying dry, warm and safe.

Dream Sweet and Don’t Bite the Bed Bugs:) xoxo

Becks

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