Wooly worms predicting cold weather

Leaves are falling; many without changing to the bright colors we've become accustomed to at this time of year. Black wooly worms are in abundance, an old-time sign of a cold and snow-filled winter ahead. And those educated to predict the weather are also warning us that the coming winter could be harsh. Are you prepared? Like the animals in our woodlands, it's time to get ready for whatever may come our way. It's been a long time since the blizzard of '93, but it's reasonable to have food and water on hand for several days "just in case." If you have a back-up heat source, make sure it is ready to go: wood for a fireplace, a generator tested and prepped. A camp stove or outdoor grill with adequate propane is a great option for preparing meals. Remember extra batteries for flashlights, propane lamps and battery-operated radios. Always keep enough prescribed medication on hand to last for several days. Even if you can get out, the pharmacy might be unable to fill a prescription during a power outage. To care for cold foods, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened fridge keeps food cold for four hours; a full freezer will keep food frozen for 48 hours. Keep coolers and ice on hand for cold and frozen items. Get creative blocking the outside cold air from reaching indoors. Roll up towels to place beneath doors to prevent a draft, drape windows with blankets, close the blinds or curtains, or use rolled towels along the window openings. You'll be surprised how much that can help. If you have a tent, setting it up inside can help provide warmth for the family, and kids will love "camping out" inside! Set it up in a central location, away from exterior walls and windows if possible. Sleeping bags give additional warmth at night, and it provides a cozy place to play games or read during the day while sharing body heat keeps the area warm. Always use caution when using the tent indoors, however. Ventilation is important, so leave openings where fresh air can enter. Never put any type of heating device inside the tent, and don't place it near a fireplace where a spark could set it afire. And while you're preparing for winter, be sure all outside faucets are disconnected from hoses and insulated, leaves are blown away from the house, and your car is ready for the colder weather. This is also the time that mice are looking for a warm winter home, and they find your garage or the space beneath the hood of your car excellent locations. Pick up a repellant to prevent damage to the automobile wiring that they seem to enjoy chewing. Enjoy this season, while also preparing for a "super" El Nino winter. Brenda Elliott can be reached at beejayelliott@aol.com

Wooly worms predicting cold weather

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