There’s no doubt about it – winter is here in New Mexico. Whether you love the cold or hate it, it’s important that you take some precautions for your home, car, and pets. The following list, adapted from FEMA, lays out some of the best tips for preparing for winter.
Stock Up
If the weather gets bad enough that you can’t or don’t feel comfortable venturing out, be sure you stock up on the following items:
- Rock salt
- Sand (to improve traction)
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
- Necessary medications
- Food and water
- Fuel for heating (fuel for generator or wood for fireplace)
Prepare Your Home
- Winterize your home for maximum insulation – insulate walls and attics, caulk doors and windows, etc.
- Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
- Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
- Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
Prepare Your Car
- Be sure all of the fluid levels in your car (oil, antifreeze, de-icer, etc.) are sufficient.
- Check battery, exhaust system, fuel and air filters, heater and defroster, lights, and thermostat to make sure they’re working properly.
- Be sure windshield wipers and fluid word properly.
- Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread.
- Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
- Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:
- a shovel
- windshield scraper and small broom
- flashlight
- battery powered radio
- extra batteries
- water
- snack food
- matches
- extra hats, socks and mittens
- First aid kit with pocket knife
- Necessary medications
- blanket(s)
- tow chain or rope
- road salt and sand
- booster cables
- emergency flares
- fluorescent distress flag
Prepare your pets
- Bring pets inside at night
- Keep animals on a leash when walking them so they don’t become lost.
- Dry pets off when they come inside.
- Leave long-haired dogs with their winter coats and consider a sweater for short hair dogs.