Preparing
for Winter
Winter is
approaching. We are having morning temperatures below freezing. In the South,
we tend to just ignore it because by two o’clock we’ll be turning on the
air-conditioning when we get in the car. Unfortunately tank-tops and flip-flops
make a bad combination if you have car problems after the sun goes down.
It is time
to get serious about having a container with winter gear. Most of us don’t pull
down the box with gloves, hats and scarves until after Christmas. This year let’s
be smart and prepare.
Clean out
your glove box and make sure you have a pair of driving gloves and ear muffs (they
don’t mess up your hair). You can scrape the windshield without freezing. Most
of us rather shiver than go inside for a coat. After all, the car will warm up
quickly.
Get in the
practice of filling the car when the gas gauge reaches half full. This
preparedness practice doesn’t add to the fuel budget. It is just a bit
inconvenient because we’ve gotten used to waiting until the last minute to take
the time to fill-up. It might prevent a dangerous situation if you get stuck on
the expressway in a traffic jam running on fumes. Besides you never know when
you might get a phone call about an emergency in the middle of the night. There
is peace of mind to know you can hop in the car without fretting about a low
fuel light.
Make sure
you have your Winter Kit well-supplied:
·
Hat,
gloves, scarf for those who typically ride with you
·
Reflective
blankets (enough for all passengers) Look in Sporting Goods section
·
Rain
gear (Cheap folding ponchos will work in a pinch)
·
Extra
jackets
·
Flashlights
and extra batteries
·
Candle
in a container and matches (Just a small candle generates a good bit of heat)
·
Water bottles
(pour about an inch out to prevent it from bursting if it should freeze)
·
Snacks
(peanut butter crackers, granola bars, etc.)
·
Plastic
drop cloth
·
Duct
tape
·
Small
towel so you can wipe down the windows if the defroster doesn’t work well
·
Wet
wipes and paper towels to clean up the spill if you have to stop suddenly
because someone skids on black ice.
·
Small
first aid kit
·
Maps
This isn’t
your car emergency kit or 72-Hour Go Kit. It is just what you need to have for winter
traveling. The extra clothes are also handy to have if temperatures suddenly
drop when you set out on a beautiful mild morning. The water and snacks help
out when your shopping trip takes longer than expected and the kids get cranky.
If you have
children, be sure you include ENTERTAINMENT stuff. I ALWAYS have a book or an
extra Bible in the car. That way I don’t get antsy if dear hubby takes extra
time at one of HIS stores. He always has audio books on his MP3 player so is
content while I browse Hobby Lobby or grocery shop.
If you don’t
keep a cell phone charger in your car, consider investing in one. Ours tends to
stay in DH’s truck. This is simple prudence. I just haven’t remembered to pick
up an extra one. I also need to buy an extra can of de-icer for the car.
Because the sun so quickly melts our ice, I just give the windows a quick spray
before I leave the house in the mornings. Even in Georgia, ice storms can blow
in at any time.
If you drive
a van or a station wagon, it can take a while to heat up the vehicle. I have a
gazillion throws in the attic. I’m putting one in the car for those in the back
seat who are a bit chilly. Frankly they are a good idea to have any time.
Lately I’ve been to meetings where I froze. I even have a nice winter poncho
that would look stylish if I needed to wrap up. It goes in the car tomorrow! I
just got up from the computer and pulled it out so I would not forget it when I
packed for a weekend meeting tomorrow.
Have you
noticed that you are thinking of more and more ways to be prepared for the
NORMAL emergencies now that you are preparing for THE BIGGIES. We can trust God
to enlarge our thinking and bring what we need to remembrance.
I am sure
there are other items you have thought of that need to be in your Winter Kit.
Please share them. Together we are better!
No comments:
Post a Comment