Winter Weather Preparedness: Protecting Plants, Homes, and Vehicles

Protecting Your Plants from Winter Frost

• ❄️ Mulch is recommended, applying one to two inches around the base of native plants to help them survive dropping temperatures.
• 🧥 For exotic or tropical plants, extra care is needed, akin to giving them a "winter jacket" by wrapping shrubs.
• ✨ Adding incandescent Christmas lights can provide additional warmth to plants.
• 🪴 Potted plants should be treated like house guests and brought into a garage or onto a covered patio to protect their roots from cold.
• 💧 Watering plants before a freeze can make a significant difference in their ability to stay warmer.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

• ⚠️ Be aware that bridges and ramps freeze first and drive slowly on these surfaces.
• 🌫️ Black ice can be a hazard even on clear-looking roads; always take it slow.
• 🚗 Avoid accelerating or braking too quickly to prevent slipping and sliding.
• 🪞 Clear off lights, windows, and mirrors before driving to ensure visibility and prevent snow from blowing onto other drivers.
• ↔️ Maintain plenty of extra distance between your vehicle and others on the road.

Vehicle Maintenance for Winter Conditions

• 🔧 Key maintenance includes ensuring batteries are fresh and terminals clean.
• 💧 Radiator fluid and windshield washer fluid should be topped off; use a proper mixture for washer fluid to prevent freezing.
• 🛞 Ensure your tires are at their proper pressure, as cold weather affects tire sensors and can lead to slips on ice.
• 🛠️ If unsure about checking tire pressure, seek assistance, as 83% of Americans reportedly do not know how to do this.
• 🚫 Avoid being the person who gets stuck; take proactive steps to ensure your vehicle is ready for winter.