A dark season home safety checklist
Once the furnace runs every day and space heaters come out of the closet, a short checklist keeps the house warm without the risk.
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From the Glenn Highway to a grocery run on a dark January afternoon, a few things in the trunk make a stuck car a minor story instead of a bad night.
Start with the basics
A packed roadside bag with jumper cables, a tow strap, a warning triangle and a flashlight covers the most common problems. Check the flashlight batteries in October, because cold drains them fast.
Add warmth and water
Pack a wool blanket or sleeping bag, spare gloves, a hat and hand warmers. Add a few bottles of water and snacks that will not freeze solid, like nuts or granola bars.
Keep tires and visibility in shape
Tire pressure drops about one PSI for every ten degrees of cooling, so a cordless inflator in the trunk is worth having. A snow brush, a small shovel and a bag of sand or kitty litter help when you need traction.
Tell someone your route
On longer drives, let someone know when you are leaving and when you expect to arrive. Cell coverage is patchy between towns, so do not rely on your phone alone.
These tips are general guidance. For safety equipment, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and local fire codes.
