Cold Weather is here. Are you READY?

I know I know, it's winter. But it is rare that we have weather this cold that last for days and nights. Usually we have a day or two of freezing weather at a time but not 3 nights below 20 degrees. So... the purpose of this BLOG is to remind people to check all their heating equipment and plumbing. Make sure you are not too low on oil, propane or what ever your system runs off of. Make sure you keep your house warm enough to keep pipes from freezing, especially rooms you may close off and not keep fully heated due to non-use. If you have bath that does not get used and may not stay warm, open the cabinet doors and allow the heat to permeate the storage area or where ever the pipes are located. Also remember your furry friends. Make sure your outside pets are somewhere that they can get out of the wind. I disagree with the "Experts" that say you always have to bring them in, but you can tell if the pets are uncomfortable cold in bad weather. If they are shivering constantly then yes they need to come it, but I have two outside dogs that hate to be brought in so I put them in the barn where the wind can't get to them, and they have beds and each other... what a treat for them. If I try to bring them in the garage they go crazy and cry all night and beg to go back out. One of those crazy outside dogs can be seen sitting on top of his house in the coldest and wetest of times... never could figure him out. Of course my two outside dogs do have plenty of fat on them to help keep them warm. I generally start feeding heavier in September so they can have extra body fat for the winter. Remember, sufficient bedding, plenty of fresh water, food and making sure they have a way to get out of the wind is the most important thing for them. Most outside animals that are properly fed with proper body weight have sufficient fur to stay warm and it is my belief that if you bring them in the warm they begin to loose that extra fur and then they are in trouble so don't let the news people make you feel guilty over not bringing them in, but do make sure they have proper body weight and shelter. We have to remember to make sure they have adequate water as well. It will freeze daily and have to be changed once or twice in extremely severe weather. Well, there you have it. A good check list to keep you and all your furry friends safe through this frigid season. Keep warm and safe....