I just dropped my coworker off at the tire place to have his winter tires installed (6-hour wait). Everyone is working on their winterizing to-do list and I don't want you to forget anything! Check out these reminders:

  • 1

    Keep water taps dripping a little (in older houses)

    The constant flow of water will help prevent the pipes from freezing. Newer houses or homes with newer plumbing don't need to worry about this.

  • 2

    Don't drive fast!

    This is not a winterizing tip, but it's SOOOO important the next couple of weeks. Even if there's no snow, black ice will be everywhere!

  • 3

    DO NOT PUT SPACE HEATERS IN YOUR BASEMENT!!!

    I can't tell you how many fires I responded to when I was a firefighter where homeowners turned space heaters on in the basement to prevent pipes from freezing.

  • 4

    Wrap pipes that go outside the house in insulation

    Any pipe that abuts the side of the house and/or runs outside (to a spigot or something) should be wrapped in insulation.

  • 5

    Replace windshield washing fluid with de-icer

    It's kind of a pain to drain your windshield washing fluid, but you'll thank me if you add one with de-icer!

  • 6

    Check anti-freeze levels in your engine

    Anti-freeze is cheap, dirt cheap. Make sure you've got enough in your engine.

  • 7

    Change windshield wiper blades

    I ALWAYS ignore this advice and I always end up being sorry. Your wipers make a huge difference in how much you can see. If you have to make a surprise run out to Walla Walla, Yakima or Othello and you get stuck in an ice storm, you're going to wish you had good wipers!

  • 8

    Make sure you have blankets in your trunk

    If you're ever stranded on the side of the road, make sure you have blankets stashed in the trunk.

  • 9

    Replace furnace filters

    It will save you energy and keep you warmer!

  • 10

  • 11

    Invest in a carbon monoxide alarm

    A lot of people who have a carbon monoxide leak in their homes don't find out until winter, when they decrease the air circulation in their home. Get an alarm to let you know if you have a problem before it's too late.

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