Ted Buehner, Northwest Region Volunteer

As the calendar turns to December, colder weather has arrived right on time. Are you ready for whatever winter weather has in store? More on that topic, including steps and resources to use, in a moment. But first…

Monday, December 1st marked the start of “meteorological” winter. Yet, the calendar says winter begins on the winter solstice, which this year is on Sunday, December 21st just after 7 AM. Why the difference on when winter begins?

The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, is based upon “astronomical” seasons that people have used to mark time for thousands of years.

Astronomical seasons are based upon the position of Earth as the planet rotates around the sun. Earth’s 23.5 degree tilt and the sun’s alignment over the equator determine both the winter and summer solstices, and spring and fall equinoxes.

Many think of winter as the coldest time of the year and summer as the warmest, with spring and fall being the transition seasons. This concept is the basis for meteorological seasons. Meteorologists and climatologists worldwide break the seasons into groups of three months based on the annual temperature cycle combined with the calendar.

The coldest months of the year in the Northern Hemisphere are December, January and February, and hence determine meteorological winter. Using the calendar also makes it much easier to calculate seasonal statistics from monthly weather data versus astronomical seasons — which is very useful for commerce, agriculture and a variety of other needs.

Winter Weather Hazards

Whenever it begins, Winter weather can bring a mix of freezing temperatures, snow and ice, flooding and even strong damaging winds. All these hazardous weather elements often adversely impact transportation, increase the need for heat, and disrupt power and communication utilities including cell phone service. The disruptions also can include school and business closures.

You can stay ahead of winter weather by being better prepared. Here are some tips to help your household get ready.

Is your home properly insulated? Adding insulation in the attic, walls and flooring, along with doors and windows, help keep the heat inside and the cold out. Curtains and blinds also help to keep the outside cold at bay. Water pipes adjacent to exterior walls also need to be properly insulated.

Has your furnace been serviced to ensure it will be there when you really need it? Alternate heat sources include fireplaces and space heaters. Be sure to use space heaters safely by keeping them placed on a flat surface away from any flammable items like curtains and bedding. They should be plugged alone into an outlet – avoid using extension cords or power strips. Also ensure your carbon dioxide detectors are in good working order.

Is your car winter-ready? Does it have tires with good tread? Items to have in the car include ice scrapers, a snow shovel, sand or kitty litter in case your car gets stuck in the snow, jumper cables and working flashlights. Added protection can include emergency flares, blankets, a first aid kit, backup food like energy bars and water, a cell phone charger and any needed medicine.

Also ensure your car battery is ready for the winter season, anti-freeze and windshield fluid are both topped off, your wipers are in good shape, and have tire chains on board and know in advance how to use them.

For safety, remain indoors and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. If driving is needed, all those preparedness items will pay dividends.

The winter season also means ‘layer up’ to keep warm both indoors and outside. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing to better trap body heat. If outdoors, also wear a head covering and gloves on your hands. Also move around to create body heat, particularly when out of doors. Warm food and non-alcoholic drinks will also help you remain warm.

Ask yourself, what if the power was out for a week? What would I need? Your ‘before the storm’ list would be a good place to start. For those with medical needs, ensure you have a good supply of any needed medicines.

Use any alternative heating sources safely, and perhaps heat a smaller part of your home to conserve the heat and energy costs.

When the strong winds, snow or ice ends, it’s time to tackle the clean-up. Be quite careful when walking on snow and ice. If there are downed power lines, stay at least 30 feet away, and keep in mind that fallen tree limbs can hide downed power lines.

Take plenty of breaks and hydration when shoveling snow and work with a partner for additional safety. Ice-melting products can help keep walkways safer.

If your home is too cold, head to your local public library, shopping mall or warming center.

Take action - now is the time to get better prepared in advance of any hazardous winter weather to help protect you, your family, your home, and your car. Oh, and don’t forget your pets - they need protection too!