Adjusting to the Winter Mindset

By Ja Tonio (12/28/2010) 

Though the weather outside has now become frightful, there are many things one can do to insure their winter is delightful! Sure, there are the basics: buy a warmer coat, boots, scarves, gloves, or a plane ticket to just get away from it all. However, there is seasonal “quarterbacking“ that should not be ignored such as: home maintenance, car maintenance, assistant technology maintenance, preparing for those scary winter storms, and of course, getting the knowledge of where to go to avoid snow in general. Although winter is beautiful to some, a working knowledge on how to handle it a little better will permit all to enjoy it.

Depending on one’s location in the latter months of the year, the temperature can get dangerously cold. Most people enjoy saving a few dollars here and there, so a great way to do this during these colder months is with some simple winterizing of the home/apartment. For starters, make sure all screens are replaced with storm windows to keep the warm air inside. If there are no storm windows available to you, another great way to keep your apartment or house insulated is with plastic. The only problem with this is it gets a little pricy with buying the double sided tape to go along with the plastic. However, the savings should still be immediately apparent if your home is currently poorly insulated.

There is no way to asses the amount one will pay to have a car maintained without first having it inspected by a mechanic, but rest assured if a car is “winter ready”, this will dramatically decrease the chance of a major event on the road, especially if the family vehicle is to be used to travel. A regular tune-up, being aware of how much tread is on the tires of the vehicle, knowing where to locate and how to refill the internal fluids, and making sure the exterior lights and windshield wipers are all in working order will greatly increase the chance of an overall safe trip. However in the event something should occur while on the road, it is good to have a flashlight, blankets, first-aid kit, road flares, a small shovel, and a map in the trunk.   

It is always beneficial to have assistant living equipment maintained before the cold arrives. This will prevent disruption to the independence these devices were intended to provide. Hearing aids, wheel chairs, orthotics, walkers, and even cast that cover healing bones should be reviewed for potential concerns that may eventually pop up. It is very difficult to navigate through the snow, but it will be even harder to do so if one or more of your assistants become unable to perform.

One thing everyone should be prepared for, whether they travel or not, is unpredictable snow storms. The largest giveaway that a “major” snow event is coming will be the local weather man using words such as: Severe, blizzard, and hazardous. Before the snow gets to bad, it would be best if you obtained some key items to hold your household over until it passes. Having bottled water, canned foods, a manual can opener, additional medicines, flashlights, and an emergency heating source will prove you to be to your benefit. If some call you foolish for such preparedness, just remind them that according to the “Farmers Almanac”, the largest amount of snow to fall in one day was sixty-three inches or five feet and three inches; that’s enough to render a city incapacitated for at least a few days.     

During this time of year, it is also nice to just get out and travel. It’s the holiday season, so family and friends will really appreciate the visit. Just don’t forget the gift! However if one is really just looking to vacate, there are some very comfortable places to see. First if you are running from the cold, among the quickest recommendations will be Florida, California, Texas, Arizona, and if you really don’t want to buy anyone a present, there is always Las Vegas.

Strange as it may be however, some people prefer the colder temperatures. That being said, these guys may want to consider a get away in Michigan, Montana, Colorado- the record holder for most snow in one day, either of the Dakota’s, or if you want to be among the first on old St. Nick’s busy night, perhaps Alaska is in your travel plans. Just remember to take care of business at home first with the home, car, assistant living equipment, and getting a reliable weather report resource. If you do all of these things, you’ll have no problem shouting, “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”