Top 13 Things Preppers Need to Do Before Winter

The best time to start prepping for a new season is months ahead of time. It’s tough to think about cold weather when it’s the middle of summer, but it’s really the most ideal time.

As preppers, we need to be thinking as far ahead as possible, this means planning for the coming change of seasons.

This is especially true if you live in a climate that gets very cold and a lot of snow. If you live in the far north, you probably already know how to be prepared and don’t need me telling you what to do, but you’re probably not reading this anyway.

For the rest of us that need some friendly reminders…

Here are the top 13 things preppers should do before winter:

Chop wood – if you have a fire place, wood stove or even the ability to have an outdoor fire, get the wood chopped and ready to go. Of course, you may continue to chop wood all winter long, it’s just nice to have as much as ready to go as possible.

Fill propane tanks – you want your propane ready to use at a moments notice. Whether it’s for heating purposes, alternative cooking, everyday cooking, generator or as a way to fill the smaller propane tanks, it’s important to have your propane tanks filled as soon as possible so you’re not trucking them out in the snow or getting caught in a line.

Fill gas cans – if you have a generator that takes gas, go ahead and fill up a few gas cans. Don’t forget to put the gas stabilizer in it.

Get your winter clothing now – winter clothing is usually put out on the shelves a couple months before winter actually begins. Even so, you may not find exactly what you need, so you may need to get it online. By looking for your needs now, you can determine if you need to get it online and wait for it to arrive before winter. Not to mention, a lot of winter clothing might be gone by the time you go back to get it. Get it now.

Seal cracks – your house is always moving and shifting, so walk around your home to look and feel for any cracks or drafts in your windows, doors or anywhere else and go ahead and seal them up.

Clean flue – if you have a wood stove or fireplace, now is a great time to hire someone to clean them or do it yourself.

Check carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers – that’s it. Check the batteries, maybe even change them out. And check to make sure your fire extinguishers are in good condition and fully charged.

Get out the winter blankets and sleeping bags – if you’ve tucked away your winter blankets and sleeping bags, it’s time to get them out and stage them for when the cold comes around.

Alternative heating – check your alternative heating options. If your main source of heating is a wood stove, maybe your alternative source is a buddy heater. Take it out and check it, make sure it works.

Candles, flashlights, batteries – since it tends to be darker for longer in the winter, never hurts to have the candles and flashlights out and ready. Check your batteries, as well. Recharge any that need it.

Food and water – keep stocking up on food and water. This is especially important if you live in a snowy environment as you may be stuck indoors for a couple days, who knows! Always be prepared, right? Don’t forget the tea and hot cocoa.

Entertainment – beef up your entertainment and crafts because winter is a time for snuggling indoors!

Change out your car kit – change up your car kit to be better prepared for winter. If your car kit didn’t have winter clothing or extra blankets in it, go ahead and add those things. Don’t forget kitty litter or tire chains if you feel you’ll need them.

Do these things NOW!

There’s no reason to stress about a new season approaching when we can just as easily be prepared well ahead of time. Beat the crowds, beat the potential shortages caused by last-minute shoppers and be empowered!

You got this!