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So this might be a little late, but: solidarity with Texas friends. Sending y'all warm vibes, and if your power's out, hope it comes back soon. A couple tips from WI:
Don't go anywhere if you don't have to. I know that's much easier said than done, but honestly, hunkering down and bundling up indoors is your best bet.
If you have to go out, I know it's cold, but it's not super dangerous, temperature-wise. Layer up! But be smart about it. You want layers that will keep you warm, but not so many layers your mobility is limited (inability to move = harder to generate your own warmth)
Here's a nice basic layering guide. You might not have all the ideal clothing, but you probably have some stuff that will do the job! https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/layering-basics.html
Gotta drive? Let's start with removing snow from your vehicle. USE A BRUSH. If you don't have a snow brush, use a broom. DO NOT!!!!!!!!! give in to the temptation to apply heat to a vehicle that's parked outside. Sudden temperature changes can cause damage to your car!
(whatever you do, don't pour, say, boiling water, onto your vehicle. trust me. bad news bears.)
Clear off your entire vehicle. Yes, the roof. Yes, the hood. Especially your lights. All the windows. Sure, you might be able to see out, but you need other vehicles to see YOU, which means, no giant piles of snow blowing off the top of your car and onto their windshield.
I have an emergency "kit" in my car for winter. Jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight (so I'm not relying on my phone battery), sand/kitty litter, blankets, bottled water (which I don't leave IN the car, obvs) and non-perishable snacks.
The sand/kitty litter, you can sprinkle near your tires if you've slid into a ditch and need traction.
Now... driving. Driving in winter is a lot like driving in heavy rain. Keep your eyes on the road. Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Use extra caution at intersections.
If you start to slide, your instinct is gonna be to slam on the brakes, which can make your slide worse. Study up so you can counter that instinct. https://www.allstate.com/tr/car-insurance/avoid-spinning-out.aspx
I'm trying to think of other things that I take for granted but probably aren't a thing down south.
PLUMBING!
Mine's insulated, so, at y'all's temps, wouldn't freeze. But if your pipes aren't, here are some tips for making sure nothing explodes https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-prevent-pipes-from-freezing/9ba683603be9fa5395fab905760afb9
PLUMBING!
Mine's insulated, so, at y'all's temps, wouldn't freeze. But if your pipes aren't, here are some tips for making sure nothing explodes https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-prevent-pipes-from-freezing/9ba683603be9fa5395fab905760afb9
OH!!!!! Re: clearing off your car -
be mindful of carbon monoxide - make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow - but the ultimate pro tip is turning your car on and cranking up the heat before attempting the bulk of your snow removal. Then your car warms up and helps out!
be mindful of carbon monoxide - make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow - but the ultimate pro tip is turning your car on and cranking up the heat before attempting the bulk of your snow removal. Then your car warms up and helps out!
This is really good advice! If you have drafty windows, hang blankets, towels, or plastic wrap over them. Up nort' they sell us special kits with window-size plastic sheets, but even cling wrap/tape can help if you're out of other materials! https://twitter.com/rfarrowster/status/1361334665894912001?s=20
Also, a fun fact: your washer fluid might freeze. Give it a test before you need it so you know if it's frozen or not, and if it's not coming out, don't force it - the pressure can mess up your fluid lines.
THOUGHT OF ANOTHER THING: stay hydrated! Make sure your pets have plenty of water, make sure you have plenty of water. If you have power and a humidifier, get that going - it's not REQUIRED but it can def help!
YES THIS. Clear walks will help USPS and other delivery folks get to your place, too! https://twitter.com/katlcdavis/status/1361361125988851717?s=20
This reminds me of a Fun Wisconsin Thing: there are places in Wisconsin that spread leftover cheese brine on roads to pre-treat them when winter storms are expected!
ALSO if you don't have a humidifier, but your stove works, you can boil water on the stove to get some moisture in the air! Hot showers produce steam, too - less of an option of your power's out, though.
