There is light at the end of the tunnel, there are some shoots appearing in the garden, and soon we’ll have Daffodils blooming, reminding us that spring is on the way and the plummeting temperatures will fade into a new season. I embrace the cold season, mainly because I love a good snuggle under a blanket, the hot water bottles and being warm inside whilst rain or snow falls outside. Being out in it is another matter, but as long as I’m wrapped up I can deal with it. Here are my winter essentials – how do yours compare?
A Torch
Unfortunately, the winter weather can stop almost anything in its tracks. Before you know it, that horrific winter storm could cause your electricity to go out. When this happens, you’ll find yourself stuck in the dark. Of course, if you were smart enough to invest in a reliable torch, you’ll be able to avoid this complication. While battery powered flashlights are a good choice, you should also consider hand-cranked flashlights or something similar. My children have clockwork ones which they love.
Salt
It should come as no surprise to learn that the winter weather will bring along a lot of ice and snow. These elemental factors can be enormously dangerous whether you’re driving or simply walking. It’s great when you can remove the ice from your driveway and pavement as quickly as possible. Having your own little stash of salt/ grit will prove to be immensely helpful. The salt can actually melt the ice and make your driveway much safer. We live on a private road so it never gets gritted. A bag of salt in the garage helps! If your local shops have run out of salt, you can opt for an alternative, such as sand or even cat litter. These products will give you added grip and help to decrease the risk of walking on ice.
Alternative Heat
When the weather knocks out your electricity, your HVAC unit will no longer be operable. Therefore, you’ll need to find a suitable replacement. Some people will be fortunate enough to have a working fireplace. If you do, you’ll want to make sure you stock up on wood. Alternatively, just grab all of your blankets and a coat for everyone! This will help you remain warm, until the power is restored.
Battery-Powered Radio
Many provinces and territories are always hit hard by snowstorms throughout the winter months. The residents that live in these areas always need to be prepared for the worst. It isn’t unusual to experience a power outage, during a severe winter storm or blizzard, which is why you should have a battery-powered radio on hand at all times. The radio will give you access to real-time weather updates. This item is a necessity, since you will probably lose electricity and Internet connection, which would leave you stranded and out of touch.
Snow Shovel
If you do not have access to gas snow blowers, you can always rely on a snow shovel. You can utilize the shovel to clear a pathway to an exterior building or your car. When investing in a new shovel, be sure that it is a snow shovel, because the traditional shovel will not offer the same benefits. The snow shovel is significantly wider than the traditional shovel, allowing the user to scoop up larger piles of snow. Not only will this reduce the amount of time to clear a pathway, but will also save your back from potential injuries.
Disclosure: This is a guest post, all opinions are my own
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1 Comment
Amazing article ! Extremely useful and helpful ,
April 11, 2017 at 6:58 amReally thanks for sharing the value post !!!!!