Prepare Yourself and Home for Icy Weather
While we hope that the harsh days of cold weather are behind us, it is possible we may have some bad weather in the next few weeks. That is why I wanted to share the following with you. I received it a few days ago and thought you might benefit from the suggestions like I did.
1) Stock up on batteries, flashlights and candles. Get a battery-powered radio and prepare an alternate source of heat, like a generator or enough wood to supply a wood stove.
2) Store extra clothes and blankets for when power and heat are lost.
3) Stock up on extra food and water. Keep a manual can opener and food that requires little or no cooking unless you have an alternate cooking source like a propane grill or camping stove with plenty of fuel. Keep at least one week's worth of prescription medication on hand.
4) Have a first aid kit, list of emergency numbers and a corded phone within easy reach. Cordless phones do not work when the power is out.
5) Fill up automobile gas tanks and have cash on hand because gas stations and banks may be out of service during an ice storm.
6) Unplug appliances to protect them from bursts of electricity, like the television, stereo, computer and microwave.
7) Install smoke alarms and test their batteries.
8) Properly insulate your home and seal windows and doors with weather-stripping to prevent cold air from leaking in.
9) Install storm windows or wrap windows from inside with plastic to add extra insulation against cold air.
10) Drain water pipes and consider wrapping them with blankets or newspapers to discourage freezing which commonly occurs during an ice storm. Alternately, let them drip but catch the water so that later it can be used for drinking, cooking or washing.
11) Turn off all major electric appliances if the power goes out.
12) Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed to conserve cold air and preserve food.
13) Use water sparingly; for example, flush the toilet with leftover cooking or washing water.
14) Eat and drink on a regular basis to stay hydrated and to help regulate you body temperature.
15) Listen to the radio for forecasts, warnings and further instructions regarding the ice storm.
16) Change wet clothing frequently to avoid losing body heat. Seek medical attention if you see any indications of hypothermia or frostbite.
Portions of these tips were retrieved from "eHow.com".
I’m Thinking Spring
While I give you all those winter tips above, I’m thinking spring time and fishing. I’ve started work on getting my fishing tackle ready for the fishing season. I’ve removed the old line from 10 spinning reels. Now I need to oil the reels and put new line on the reels. Then on some warm day I will go outside and put the reels on the fishing rods that we use for crappie fishing. I enjoy every minute of getting ready for fishing!
Smile!
~Proverb
Joke of the Day
Upon entering the little country store, the stranger noticed a sign saying DANGER! BEWARE OF DOG! posted on the glass door. Inside he noticed a harmless old hound dog asleep on the floor beside the cash register.
He asked the store manager, "Is THAT the dog folks are supposed to beware of?"
"Yep, that's him," he replied.
The stranger couldn't help but be amused. "That certainly doesn't look like a dangerous dog to me. Why in the world would you post that sign?"
"Because", the owner replied, "before I posted that sign, people kept tripping over him."
