When I woke up this morning it was really cold outside.  It came on all of a sudden, as it tends to do in Pennsylvania.  So as we move toward the winter months (which seem to last from November through April in Pennsylvania), it’s a great time to think about things you can do to be prepared for winter.

First, it’s a good idea to check your home for places that cold may seep in.  If you have drafty windows or doors, you may want to add plastic over the windows, insulated drapes, and perhaps tuck a towel (or some other fancier draft stopper) under the door.  If you have cold walls, hanging a tapestry or quilt can add a layer of insulation.  If your floors are cold, area rugs can help.  And if you have houseplants, you should move them away from the windows a bit so they don’t get too cold.

It’s also a great idea to make sure you are ready when the snowflakes start flying.  I have seen several inches of unexpected snow in central Pennsylvania as early as mid-October.  If you have steps or a sidewalk that could get icy, now is the right time to procure a bag of salt or other ice melter.  If you have a car, make sure to throw in that ice scraper and snow brush now.  And if you don’t have a snow shovel, you may want to get one in case you have to dig out your car.

It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes a winter storm can be bad enough that we lose power.  Are you prepared for the loss of power?  Know where you have a flashlight or battery powered lantern.  Have warm clothing and blankets on hand in case your apartment gets too cold for the norm.  Have some shelf-stable food and plenty of water available in case you can’t get out for a few days.

As the foliage is just turning its glorious colors, it seems weird to be thinking about winter.  But preparing for winter in advance is much easier than heading into it without forethought.