Here in Connecticut, cold weather is inevitable. Our list of favorite winter hacks will help keep you and your family safe, healthy, and warm throughout the season. Share your own favorites with us, and we'll add them to the list!
1. Keep a pair of gloves in the pockets of each of your coats.
That way you don't have to remember to grab a pair on the way out of the house. Plus, you always know where they are!
2. Turn your ceiling fans on low and reverse.
Ceiling fans aren't just for summer! Turning your fan on low and reverse recirculates warm air trapped up by your ceiling, which helps to heat your home more efficiently. Want another simple heating tip? Leave the hot oven open after baking to release the heat into the room. Beware small children and pets!
3. Pack an extra pair of socks and a couple of small plastic bags in your glove compartment.
If you need to get out and shovel, slip the plastic bags on over your socked feet to keep them dry, even if your shoes soak through. Or if you step in a puddle unexpectedly, you’ll have warm, dry socks to change into!
4. Keep refrigerated food cold if the power goes out in a storm by packing items in a cooler and moving them outside.
As long as it's below 30° F, this hack will keep your food at a safe temperature for about 24 hours. If the power will be out longer than that, fire up the grill and get cooking!
5. Use a fertilizer spreader to scatter sand or salt on your icy sidewalks, paths, and driveway.
The spreader will cover the ground evenly to keep you and your visitors safe from falls. If you're looking for a natural and environmentally friendly way to de-ice your walkways, try using leftover coffee grounds.
6. Use your car’s rubber floor mats to get your car out of snow or mud.
Place your mats under the spinning tire(s) to give you some traction – just don’t forget to grab them before you get back on the road!
Worried about slippery roads and a higher chance of accidents? Give us a call to review your auto coverage before something happens (860) 785-4854.
7. Safely walk on ice without slipping by walking like a penguin!
When you walk normally, your weight is split between both legs, and the angle to the ground varies as you move. On ice, you want to make sure your weight stays at an angle perpendicular to the surface of the ice; this will prevent you from taking a painful fall. To do this, shuffle in short steps and keep your center of gravity over your front leg like a penguin does.
8. Quickly de-ice your car's windshield with a homemade spray.
Mix 1 part water and 2 parts rubbing alcohol or vodka in a spray bottle and store in your car. Spray it on the windshield to make scraping easier. Hacks to avoid? A mix of water and vinegar or pickle juice (which contains salt and vinegar) may help de-ice, but is also corrosive to your car’s chrome and paint finishes.
9. Avoid ice on your windshield after freezing temperatures by covering it with a heavy blanket or tarp.
Make sure to do this the night before. And if you want nature to give you even more of a head start, park facing east! The rising sun will start de-icing your car before you even head out the door.
10. Spray Scotchgard fabric protector on your canvas shoes to make them water proof.
Now you can wear your favorite "summer shoes" even in wet and snowy weather!
11. Spray your shovel with nonstick cooking spray before you shovel.
The nonstick cooking spray will keep snow from sticking to your shovel, and allow it to slide easily over any ice.
12. Get rid of cold weather sore throats by gargling with hot saltwater 3-4 times a day until you feel better.
The saltwater draws out the bacteria and helps to provide a bacteria fighting environment. Follow it up with a soothing mixture of 2 tbsp warm honey, 1 tsp lemon juice and just a pinch of cinnamon (Optional: add 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar). Try not to eat or drink anything immediately after, so the mixture can coat your sore throat.
Want to chat about insurance tips to protect your family year-round? Give us a call today at (860) 785-4854.