Tips for Fighting Winter Woes

While it may be beautiful to watch the snowfall from the comfort of your warm home, outside freezing temps and icy roads can be difficult and dangerous. Here are a few tips to help ease winter woes and keep your family safe.

Icicles- Little icicles are one of winter’s marvels, and are usually a sign of snow melting and refreezing. Large icicles are more prevalent when the roof is warmer, and can be a sign of roof-damaging ice dams. To avoid a warm roof, try venting your attic, allowing it to cool off and make sure gutters are cleared of any debris that could cause water and snow to build up. If you are worried about icicles falling on people, you can break them off using a snow shovel- just be careful!

Black Ice- On the road black ice can be deadly; if you suspect you are approaching a section of black ice, downshift your car into a lower gear and try to slow down as much as possible. If you hit the black ice, do not slam on the brakes, but take your foot off the gas pedal and turn the wheel in the direction of the skid. To avoid black ice at home, make sure to clear driveways of snow as much as possible and toss deicing salt on areas where people walk to create a safe path.

Frozen Ignition- Colder temperatures can be tough on cars so if possible clear out your garage for your car during the winter. If this is not possible, you may encounter a frozen ignition- when water particles or grease inside the keyhole freeze up, making it impossible to turn the key. The best advice is to warm your key by rubbing it between your hands. The heat from the key should help break down the frozen particles.

Dead Car Battery- Cold weather can suck the life out of your car battery. Before heading into the winter season make sure to have it checked and replaced if necessary. When starting your vehicle, turn the key halfway so the electricity in the car is running for 30 seconds, then turn the key all the way over. This will give your battery time to warm up without over stressing it. If you warm up your vehicle before driving, remember to NEVER leave it running car in the garage, it will cause carbon monoxide to build up and that can be deadly.

• Tweet