Winter's (Hopefully) Last Hurrah!

The groundhog wasn't kidding a few weeks ago when he didn't see his shadow -- we certainly have a few weeks of winter left! We hope you're staying warm and cozy at home, and if you have to get out this week, please take precautions. The main roads around Evansville have been cleared, but the side roads are still pretty slick, so be careful out there!

Since we will be experiencing another spell of severely low temperatures this week, we thought it would be a great idea to share some tips on travel and home safety. Let's hope this is the grand finale from Old Man Winter, and soon we will be looking forward to warmer days in the Tri-State.

Let's start with some tips for travel in case you need to get to work or an appointment.

1. Be prepared. Keep your car stocked with supplies like extra clothes, water, a blanket, a snow scraper/brush, jumper cables, cat litter (for traction in case you get stuck), and a flashlight with working batteries.  Fun fact: Did you know your floor mats can also be used for traction under your tires if you get stuck?
2. Keep your gas tank filled. Don't let your gas gauge get below a quarter of a tank with temperatures this low. The gas could freeze, especially if you park in your driveway or a parking lots for extended periods of time.
3. Clear all windows and mirrors of snow and frost. You don't want anything blocking your line of vision while driving.
4. Keep extra windshield washer fluid or antifreeze with you. These will be useful if you happen to get caught somewhere while it's snowing or sleeting.
5. Don't get in a hurry. This seems like a no-brainer, we know, but don't expect to rush anywhere in wintery conditions. Drive slower, allow plenty of space between you and your fellow drivers, and give yourself extra time to stop and get going again at intersections. 

Now let's move on to some tips to keep your home safe during these colder temperatures.

1. Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This is especially true in your kitchen and bathrooms because it will allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes, helping prevent a potential burst.
2. Drip your faucets. Another tactic to prevent your pipes from bursting is to maintain a slow flow of water from your faucets. This keeps water moving through spaces that are generally unheated and unprotected.
3. Apply weather stripping around your doors and windows. It's an inexpensive way to keep your home warmer and cut down your energy costs, not only during a severe cold spell, but throughout the winter.
4. Have an alternate heating system ready. Whether you have a home generator, a space heater, or a fireplace, know how you will heat your home in the event of a power outage. Locate extra blankets and warm clothes so they are handy as well.
5. Stay in the loop. Keep your cell phones charged and have a battery-powered radio ready as well so you can call family and friends and listen to the news even if the cold knocks out power.

Be sure your furry family members stay safe & warm too!

What do you and your family do to stay safe during winter weather? We'd love for you to share with us!

Stay warm, friends!