The recent time change is our signal that winter is quickly approaching. Before the snow sets in, the cold weather makes everyday life a little more challenging, from slippery sidewalks to unexpected power outages. By taking some proactive measures in advance, you can ensure that you and your household are prepared for whatever the winter weather may bring. 

Before the weather turns, it is important to winterize your home so that it is ready to face whatever the weather throws your way. Prepping your home also can help keep energy-related costs down.  

• Ensure you have a high-quality shovel and salt to clear your walkways after snow or ice. This will lessen your chance of slipping and falling. Keep these items close to your door so you can easily clear the area. 

• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure your detectors are functioning and you have extra batteries on hand for when you inevitably hear that low battery chirping in the middle of the night. This step is especially important for using a fireplace, wood stove, or personal heater. 

• Create and update your emergency kit. It’s vital to have extra supplies in one place to be easily accessible in bad weather or an emergency. Ensure you have batteries, portable chargers, phone chargers, a working flashlight, first aid supplies, and water. Everyone’s kit may look different depending on their individual needs. 

If you plan on driving during the winter, there are steps you can take to make your car more reliable during the cold months. Winterizing your vehicle will help you stay safe and keep you off the side of the road when bad weather hits. 

• Check your tire pressure: Cold temperatures can cause your tire pressure to drop, leading to decreased traction and control on slippery roads. Ensure your tires are correctly inflated and have enough tread to provide adequate traction.  

• Test your battery: Cold temperatures can also make it harder for your car’s battery to start in the morning. Test your battery before winter hits, and replace it if it’s not holding a charge like it used to. Maintaining your battery will keep you from scrambling in the morning when your car won’t start.   

• Check your coolant levels: Your car’s coolant system keeps the engine from freezing in cold temperatures. Make sure your coolant levels are topped up to prevent any problems.  

• Use winter wiper blades: Winter wiper blades are designed to handle heavy snow and ice buildup, which can obscure your view of the road. Consider replacing your regular wiper blades with winter ones for better visibility.  

• Invest in snow tires: Snow tires have deeper treads and softer rubber than regular tires, which allows them to grip the road better in snowy and icy conditions. Investing in snow tires could be a wise decision if you live in an area with heavy snowfall or frequent ice storms. 

The weather is getting colder, the days are getting shorter, and that only means one thing. Winter and flu season are right around the corner. To be prepared for the impending sickness that is bound to take over your household, you can complete a few different activities to be better prepared and stay healthy. 

• Get your flu shot and COVID booster! Some people, mostly older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of serious flu complications. A yearly routine flu shot can reduce your risk of severe flu complications. Even if you do all the above, you could still get the flu or any other illness floating around. The best thing you can do for yourself and the people around you is to stay home if you’re sick. While this isn’t always possible for people depending on work and childcare responsibilities, resting can help you recover faster and keep others from getting sick.  

• Regularly clean and disinfect high-traffic areas like on/off switches, handles, and remote controls, as viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. If you use a disinfectant spray like Lysol, make sure you’re reading the instructions to ensure you’re actually killing germs. Using Lysol as an example, you need to hold the spray 6 to 8 inches away from an object, spray for three to four seconds, and then let air dry for at least three minutes before touching it. 

Once you make sure that you and your family are well taken care of this winter, check on your neighbors. Isolated, older adults and people with disabilities or hearing loss can be unaware of rapidly changing weather conditions. They may need help when cold temperatures become unsafe. 

By taking these steps, you can be sure that you and your family are well-prepared for whatever the winter season may bring. Stay safe, stay healthy, and enjoy all the season has to offer! 

If you’re still looking to get a flu shoot or a COVID booster, Southwest Health offers vaccine clinics by appointment at the Platteville and Kieler Clinics for family medicine patients to get a flu shot and/or COVID booster on Saturday, December 7 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. To schedule an appointment for either the COVID or flu vaccine call the Platteville Clinic at 608.348.4330.