Winter Safety Tips for the New Year!

 Winter safety tips for your car:

Keep your fuel tank full in case you have to sit and try to stay warm or are stuck in traffic.
Things to carry in your car:
Mittens or gloves
Warm socks
Boots
Stocking cap
Water for you and your pet
Snacks
Flares
Phone Charger
Flashlight
Thermal Blankets
Pet Poop bags for sanitation, not only pets may use these
Kitty litter or sand for traction, not for the above reason!
If you are stuck, for whatever reason, tie a bright cloth to your antenna for visibility for helping people to see you and identify you are disabled.

 Winter safety tips for your home:

Make sure you have a working smoke detector and Carbon Monoxide detector in your house.
Keep the snow off of your sidewalks and steps by either shoveling or using a snow blower.
Use kitty litter on sidewalks for traction.
Calcium Magnesium Acetate or Potassium Chloride are plant friendlier alternatives to chemical de-icers or rock salt to use on walkways.
Move snow away from gate opening paths on driveways. It can be hard to get out of your driveway if the gate is held shut by snow, especially if it ices over the top of the snow.

 Winter safety tips for your garden:

Try not to walk on your grass while it is snowy or frosty. It will leave brown footprint marks when it thaws.
Knock the snow off of tree branches and shrubs. The weight of the snow may break the branches.
Try to brush the snow off of greenhouse and shed roofs. It may collapse the roofs.
Make sure hoses are disconnected from outside hose bibs. Cover hose bibs if not frost proof.

 Winter safety tips for your pets:

Do not use metallic food or water dishes outside in the winter. The pet's tongues or lips may attach to the metal. Ouch!
Clean pet's feet after being out in the snow. Snow and ice can become stuck in-between their pads and be painful. I like to soak their feet in tepid water to help melt the snow and clean the feet.
Use dog boots to protect their feet in the snow, ice and mud. Good luck with that!
Use reflective coats, collars and leashes for the darker days and for night walking. The collars are helpful for seeing your pet in your yard at night, too. Freaks out the neighbors for added fun.