Whatever happened to that mild Fall? Winter doesn’t officially begin until December 21st, but if you’re living in the Great Lakes region, Winter has arrived. Feet of snow have appeared on our streets like an unwelcome guest to dinner…and unlike those guests, you can’t wine ‘em and dine ‘em away. With the un-relentless Winter weather upon us, you may have forgotten how to find warmth in your day to day life. FindItLocal is here to remind you of a few simple tips to stay warm this winter.
Plan Ahead
Preparing yourself for the cold temperatures is the best way to avoid that unwelcome chill. With new smart-phone technologies, constant updates online and regularly scheduled weather alerts from your traditional tv weatherman, planning ahead has never been easier. Add these weather check-ups to your regular routine (yes that may mean waking up a few minutes earlier) and you won’t be caught in a snowstorm wearing just a fleece.
Gear Up
This is the perfect time of year to acquire the essentials for Midwestern Winter living. Whether you’re 15 or 75, asking for winter clothes is never a bad decision when it comes to your Holiday Wish List. New innovations in thermal-living are made each year, so why not stay up on the trends to protect your health? Guarding your face, ears and feet against the cold can significantly improve your outlook on low temperatures.
Your Car Gets Cold Too!
The family car is often treated as a sanctuary this time of year as you and your loved ones dash to and from the vehicle to spend as little time as possible in the winter wind. If you want more from your car (and especially it’s heater) this time of year, make sure you step up your game as well.
- Mind the parking signs – Midwestern streets are notorious for their hidden “No Parking when Snowing” parking rules. If you are new to your city, make sure you’re aware of any parking limitations that may not be noted on street signs.
- Plowed In – How many times have you been late to work because your car was covered in snow by the plow? Learn from those mistakes and find a parking garage close to your home when blizzards are approaching.
- Tools – In case you do get plowed in, or find your iced over by frost, make sure your equipped to fight back. We suggest packing your car with an ice-scraper and light-weight shovel, along with the usual emergency kit, this winter.
Conserve Heat
Keeping the heat you have is crucial to warding off old man Winter’s clutches. Bundle up when you go outside, but bundle up your home as well. Paying for heat is an expense many families forget about this time of year and the unforeseen financial burden can disrupt other budgeted items. You can eliminate wasted heat by covering your windows with plastic insulation. The saran-wrap-like material prevents heat from escaping, and also keeps the cold drafts from entering your home. Additionally, keeping furniture away from the heater inside your home will allow warmth to circulate your home more easily.
Stay Warm!
As you can probably remember by now, gone are the carefree summer and fall days of dashing out the door at a moment’s notice. If you don’t look like the Michelin Man every time you walk out the door, the cold will find it’s way in. Winter can be a fun time for everyone if we take the time to ready ourselves for chilly temperatures with the proper preparations. Please include your wintery tips in the comment section. Happy Holidays!
