do it yourself
weatherproofing for winter
This year, be one step ahead of the cold weather and get your car, home and yourself ready for the elements. BY TABATHA BEERBOWER
winter survival
Step-by-step weatttripping
Materials
Weatherstripping
Measuring tape
Tin sips
Safety glasses
Finish nails
Sill seal
1. Measure the length of your doorstop from the threshold to the top of the doorstop.
2. Use tin sips to cut weatherstripping to size. For best results, use rubber weatherstripping with an aluminum backing.
3. Close the door and place the weatherstripping tight against the door. Hold it in a position where it will make a good seal. Open the door and secure the weatherstripping to the doorstop with finish nails.
4. Install a sill seal on the bottom of the exterior side of the door.
adapted from www.diynet.com
Keep the top up
One of the worst feelings is getting into your car and finding that it won't start especially when it's close to freezing. You can do several things to prepare for these conditions. Getting a tune-up to check for a good battery and servicing or flushing your cooling system are good ideas, says Steve Montgomery, shop manager in Performance Tire and Wheel, 1828 Massachusetts St. After the service you should keep track of the antifreeze level in your car with an antifreeze tester.
Once your car is in working order, take precautions to keep it on the road. Make sure you have dependable, all-season mud-and snow-rated tires and check your tire pressure periodically, says Montgomery. You will know your tires are mud and snow rated by a M+S logo on the side of the tires. Having M+S tires will decrease the chance of sliding on icy
stretch; its will stowing away a big bag or two of kitty litter or sand in your tub!
two of kite litter or sand in your trunk The National Center for Environmental Health Web site recommends replacing windshield wiper units with a wintertime mixture and Keeping your gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines
If your car is near and dear but old and without a working heater, keep some blankets in the trunk for you and your passengers riding along. Keep a heating pad or two ready to take along with you to keep your lap toasty.
The Big Chill
Zach Strauss/Kansan
Save money on your gas or electricity bill by weatherproofing your doors and windows this winter.
You'll be spending a lot of time inside during the winter, so make sure your home is warm and weatherproof. This winter, heating costs are skyrocketing, so keep your apartment as free of drafts as possible. Check for drafts around your doors and windows. Seal drafty doors and windows with weatherstripping found at any hardware store, or staple thick plastic across windows, says Sean Molby, facilities operations manager at First Management in Lawrence. If you can't afford weatherstripping or plastic, old towels and blankets pushed up against doors and windows can help keep the drafts at bay but aren't quite as effective.
Taking precautions against drafts will help you curb the temptation to turn up your thermostat. Leave your thermostat on a steady temperature, at least 60 degrees or more, instead of fluctuating the temperature, Molby says. It will save you money in the long run. Before you bring on the heat, have a maintenance service inspect your heater or fireplace and check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Share the warmth with your pipes by keeping cabinet doors open. Extreme winter temperatures can cause water pipes to freeze and rupture. If you leave your home for an extended period of time, consider keeping all faucets at a constant drip. If your pipes freeze, you can thaw them slowly with a hair dryer
set on low through you might want to check with your landlord or other expert first. Your prices can also freeze and flood your home by leaving outside boxes connected to switches.
Gonzuatite
Don't forget about weatherproofing yourself. Once the temperature starts to drop, dress accordingly. Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight and warm clothing as opposed to one thick layer. This will allow you to accommodate different climates, says William Brandenberger staff physician in general medicine at Watkins Health Center. Outer garments should be made of tightly woven, water-repellent fabrics. An important aspect is keeping your head and ears covered. More than 50 percent of your body heat is lost through your head and neck. Vulnerable areas, such as your ears and nose, are susceptible to frost bite. Cover your hands with mittens and gloves and your feet with socks and waterproof shoes.
The cold takes a toll on your immune system. Brandenberger recommends getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet and exercising. Even though it is not hot outside, you still need to drink an adequate amount of fluids to stay hydrated. The Community Mercantile Co-op, 901 Iowa St., sells herbal teas for sore throats, earaches and the immune system for about $5 a box. Brandenberger says considering a flu shot isn't a bad idea either.
You never know when snow might barricade you in your house, so stock up on wholesome foods, especially food that doesn't need cooking or refrigeration in the case of power failure. Set your favorite crackers, granola, dried fruit, canned vegetables and fruits and canned meats such as tuna and salmon in a box labeled "Emergency Food" away from your normal snacking stash. You also might stow a couple of gallons of water in case your pipes burst.
—Tabatha Beerbower, Jayplay writer, can be reached at tbeerbower@kansan.com.
thursday, november 13, 2003
jayplay
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