 | Bob Crager of Lewis Street Glass is a 26 year veteran in the glass business. Lewis Street Glass is a leading Wichita Glass company, serving the entire Wichita/Sedgwick County area since 1919. They do anything and everything having to do with glass, both residential and commercial. They also do Auto glass. They are located at 743 South Market, facing Kellogg on the South, and you can reach them by phone at (316) 263-8259. You can email Bob Crager at bcrager@lewisstreetglass.com |
Glass
2009-10-01 15:50:00
Before winter storms and cold weather...
Question: We have followed your suggestions of the last couple of months in getting our home’s windows sealed up and ready for winter. We are at retirement age. Is there a list of additional things we can do now so as to be ready for other unexpected cold weather events and their repercussions?
Answer: Good question! Can you believe how quickly summer ended and fall weather and temperatures started this year? Overall we had a relatively moderate summer, but this early cold snap in the latter part of September could be the precursor of some chilly things to come. Unless of course that you believe in “global warming”. Not that there’s anything wrong with that...
I’ve always believed that it is better, if possible, to prepare for events in advance of their occurrence, rather than having to try to react quickly to something that caught me unawares. So if your windows and doors are in good shape, and before it gets so cold that you want to stay indoors most of the time, here are some things that might help you to “be prepared” a little in advance!
I would take a little trip to the hardware store and pick up some ice melt, or alternatively, rock salt, for melting ice that might accumulate on your porch, driveway, and/or sidewalks. Remember last year how everyone was “sold out” of ice melt, right when you needed it the most? A few bags of sand on hand for improving traction on ice can also be helpful. Check your snow shovel supply to see if you need to replace that old shovel. A snow blower in the Wichita area is possibly “overkill”, but if we get a few deeper than normal snows, in hindsight, you might be very glad you bought one prior to that happening.
Also, if you recall, not so very long ago, we had winter ice storms that isolated a lot of Wichita area residents in their homes for several days in some instances. Make sure you have stored up some alternative heating fuels in the event that normal fuel sources get cut off. Do not fail to take the necessary safety precautions regarding alternative heating sources, or you’ll find your name popping up in the papers and on television news reports as a fire victim. You don’t want that! Store up a good supply of dry seasoned hard firewood for your fireplace or wood burning stove. If you’ve done a good job of winterizing your home against the elements, you’ll actually extend the life of your alternative fuels supplies by eliminating the loss of the heat you paid to heat passing through your walls or windows. Check out and correct the amount and condition of your attic insulation, and if you don’t already have storm windows, you might want to consider installing those right now, so they can begin paying for themselves through energy savings!
Clear your rain gutters, repair any roof leaks, and cut back low hanging tree branches that may be rubbing on your shingles or siding, or are in a position to fall onto your house or vehicles if they break under the added weight of snow or ice. If you have a back yard building, you might consider winterizing that so that it could provide emergency shelter for extra members of your family, neighbors, livestock, or equipment. Check your freeze plugs on your exterior faucets for leaks, and install new washers if you discover that they leak. Insulate exposed pipes, and install heat tapes on those that have a propensity or even a possibility to freeze up in cold weather. Check out your fire extinguishers, and conduct an exercise with your family members in their proper use. Winter house fires pose additional risks to your family, as the alternative heating sources are used.
Learn where your main water shutoff valve for your house is, and make certain it is operable, in the event that you have a waterpipe burst. Go ahead and ascertain now what you might need to do to assist a family member, neighbor, or disabled friend or any other disabled person living near you if they’re in need of your help in brutal cold weather.
Have your car made ready by having a mechanic check out your antifreeze fluid levels and make sure it won’t freeze up. Check the battery and ignition system, brakes, and exhaust system. Know that carbon monoxide is very deadly and usually gives no warning to a victim. Check your fuel and air filters, heater and defroster, do a complete light check, pull the oil stick and make sure the weight is right on that, and make sure the thermostat is working properly. Windshield wipers and fluid are important in the winter time. Make sure you have all weather radial tires with good tread on all, and that they are properly inflated.
Make sure you always have at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. Place a winter emergency kit in each of your cars that includes the following: a shovel, a windshield scraper and small broom, flashlight batteries, battery powered radio with extra batteries, water, snacks, food, matches, extra hats, socks and mittens, first aid kit with pocket knife, necessary medications, blankets, a tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares, fluorescent distress flag. If you must go outside in brutal cold weather, make certain you call someone in your family and tell them what you’re doing and where you’re going. Wear several layers of loose-fitting, warm clothes, rather than one layer of outer heavy clothing. The outer garments you do wear should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens are warmer than some gloves, wear a good hat, and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. If you complete this group of preparation items, you should be in pretty good shape for the upcoming cold weather season. Thanks for the question, and we’ll have more good info next month...
