Pat Ingelse

By Pat Ingelse, AVP, PMP

Like it or not, winter is on its way. It is time to make sure you are ready for the cold and snow. Here are three things to take care of ASAP:

1. Start the winter prep dance. Check your vehicle tires. Are the treads good for another snowfall? Does the snowblower feel like starting, or is it wishing it could take a trip to Florida for a few months? What about your furnace? When was the last time you had it checked and cleaned the filter?

2. Make a winter emergency kit for your car. It should include things like cat litter or sand for tire traction, an ice scraper, a blanket, and deicing liquid. ReadyWisconsin has a list of items to include in a vehicle emergency kit, as well as more tips and a how-to video. You can download a checklist here in PDF form.

3. Set up automated notification phone number 866-646-7421 in the contacts on your cell phone. Have the name display something that will get your attention, such as “NSB Alert” or “BCP”. Set it up with a unique ringer.

Hopefully, this winter will be mild, but there is benefit to being safe and prepared!