It’s December and winter is finally here. As you all know, Montana is known for its fresh powder and blistering cold winters. With that in mind, here are a couple of friendly reminders to help you make it through the winter months.

Driving

• Use caution: Driving in the winter months can be difficult at times. Be sure to slow down and drive with caution. Often times there can be ice under the snow, and driving slower will help prevent you from sliding.
• Pump the brakes: If you do begin to slide, pump your brakes. Slamming your foot on the brake is the last thing you want to do. Pumping the brakes helps you stop faster when you hit ice at a stop sign/light.
• Add weights: Adding a bag of sand to the back of your vehicle will help you keep traction while driving.
• Preparations: If you’re traveling long distances in the winter months, it is always helpful to have winter gear in the vehicle in case of emergencies. Boots, gloves, hats, and a blanket are a few that are recommended.

Home Preparations

• Control the temperature: During the winter months it is best to acclimate your body to the colder weather. You can do so by gradually adjusting your thermostat. If during the winter and fall months you typically keep your thermostat at 73 during the day and 66 at night, try an experiment and lower it by one degree each week for a month. Slowly try changing the temperature you are used to and let your body adjust.
• Capture heat: It is always recommended to seal or wrap your windows to prevent cold air from seeping in, and open the blinds and curtains in the morning to take advantage of the natural heat from the sun that will pour through your windows and help raise the temperature of those rooms a bit.
• Replace broken or damaged weather stripping around your doors. This will help keep your house sealed and will prevent drafts from coming in.

• Remove snow: Ensuring your driveways are cleared of snow will help prevent ice build up. Continually driving over snow to get in and out of your house will create a thick layer of ice, reducing the speed at which snow melts on a sunny day.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Before winter arrives, check or have your mechanic check your vehicle to make sure the following items are up-to-date:

• Antifreeze levels
• Battery and ignition system
• Brakes
• Exhaust system
• Fuel and air filters
• Heater and defroster
• Lights and flashing hazard lights
• Oil
• Thermostat
• Windshield wiper equipment

Additionally, consider installing good winter tires, especially if you live in an area in which snow can be quite heavy.

Hopefully, these tips will help you survive the winter. And be sure to stay safe and take things a little slower during the upcoming months.