It's fico-in' freezing!

People talk about aaaallllll the winterizing that needs to be done, and how long it takes - but does that include more than putting plastic over the windows and turning off the outside water?

Short answer: yes.
Winterizing means preparing for subfreezing temperatures, including provisions for times when you may not be able to restore heat. Google results returned mostly insurance information. Winter Hazard Awareness had some pretty good information, including a tip to drive carefully on the driveways. (Claims come from people not being able to stop on their icy driveways before their garage door finished opening). The Purdue University complied an extensive disaster and management resource list for winter storms.

My list is not so comprehensive...

In the Fall

• Drain all plumbing (not just the outside pipes)
• Invite a professional inspect the furnace in the fall to make sure it is up for the hard work it must do during the winter
• Prepare any vehicles for winter driving conditions with a maintenance checkup and a supply of survival kit goodies ranging from blankets and hand/foot warmer packs to salt and shovels. (I have used the mats to get out of snow drifts before, though).

In the Winter

• Watch for ice dams on the room and snow buildup around the gas meters.
• Watch for mold, asbestos, lead poisoning and other air quality concerns
• Call 511 for winter travel conditions, and don't travel with less than half a tank of gas (I always thought a quarter a tank...)
• If you are stranded, try to stay warm without fuel, and make sure your exhaust pipe is clear.
• Consider a AAA Membership (okay . that's my mother's tip).
• Don't open the freezer during power outages. Save the food!

In the Spring

• Drain the outdoor pipes again
• Prepare for flooding (not in Minneapolis as much!)

In the Summer

• Visit Psycho Suzi's. Often.