Beech Tree News Network

Have you heard people say they were battening down for a storm or for the winter? In this context, “battening” likely means getting ready for a storm or for winter by securing or winterizing possessions. Even though the winter solstice is weeks away – December 22, the meteorological winter is classified as December through February. So, despite what our calendars say, we are already in the meteorological winter and winterizing is likely in progress or may be completed.

Winterizing outside is a big task for most of us. My son-in-law mowed my yard for the last time this fall just a couple of weeks ago (The grass wasn’t high; but, the leaves were sure getting deep.) while my daughter raked debris and leaves away from the foundation of the house. I’ve put away the clay flower pots and unhooked the garden hose. The summer gardening equipment has been stored. The house vents and crawlspace entrances are closed, too. Many of you have covered your pools. Outdoor furniture may have been stored as well. I know some of you have cleaned gutters and sprayed downspouts with water to clear away debris. And, I’m hoping all of our plumbing pipes are well insulated.

Inside the house, winterizing can involve several areas. If the chimney hasn’t been cleaned in a while, a professional should be called to remove soot and creosote. Firewood requires a dry storage place away from the house. Also, air leaks must be sealed with weather stripping or caulking. If a window is drafty, a window insulator kit may be used in the winter until the window can be replaced. Since furnace filters are changed monthly, we may want to purchase a few in advance for the winter months. Also, smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries may be checked, and fire extinguishers older than 10 years may be replaced.  

Some other preparations for winter may include the following:
•    Buy indoor candles and matches or a lighter for possible power outages.
•    Post utility providers’ phone numbers in an easily accessible place.
•    Store bags of ice-melt, sand, or salt for icy conditions.
•    Replace worn or weak snow shovels.
•    Provide shelter for outdoor animals.
•    Check vehicle antifreeze.

Even though winterizing requires some time and effort, it will increase our comfort level and reduce our use of energy. Spring will arrive on March 20, 2012; but, we’ll have some cold days between now and then. So, I’m battening down.