Winter 2019/2020

[user 7704]

Decided to start a thread about what preps we are doing this Winter etc.

We can keep up wi th weather etc. I'll start......

Today I finished wrapping my coop with Corning underlay that I had left over from the new roof. I also loosely wrapped 3 sides of my hives. I must say this is against the advise of my mentor. I can just see those little bees freezing. It's my mommy instinct.

I removed the leaves on top of the netting that covers the run. My thinking is that if they get wet and freeze, the weight will collapse the netting and then critters will get in and eat my chickens.

I did all of this before 9 a.m.

Arctic, it's 30 here and my hands are frozen even wearing gloves. I don't see how you do it. 30° is probably swimming weather for you.

 

[GaRp58]

Really do not have anything to do in Germany for winter except to put the GBH and winter survival bag of warm clothes, food, water and stuff back into the Renault, in case we get stuck in a traffic jam.
I just really hate that I could not make it to Hungary this year. My brother-in-law had to repair the roof on the garage quickly after a storm pulled off some of the tarpaper and shingles. Plastic with cross boards and nails are not the most waterproof roofing materials...Hope it holds thru the winter! GP

 

[Maverick]

This what I use to check long range

http://www.longrangeweather.com/weather-forecasts/US-City.aspx

 

[GaRp58]

Wow, good stuff Maynerd. Only I can watch how the weather is in Austin Tx. and warn my mom to close the windows...
Maybe I could find something like this for Germany. How reliable has/have the forecasts been in the last years?

 

[Maverick]

Wow, good stuff Maynerd. Only I can watch how the weather is in Austin Tx. and warn my mom to close the windows...
Maybe I could find something like this for Germany. How reliable has/have the forecasts been in the last years?

Good enough to pay them $145 a year for daily subscription. Weather is important to us here.

 

[user 7704]

This what I use to check long range

http://www.longrangeweather.com/weather-forecasts/US-City.aspx

Thanks. I always use NOAA. I'll check it out. Oops can't do $145. Our locals have been so wrong the last 2 year's. More so than years past. It's seems that grandpa's bursitis is more reliable than high tech radar.

 

[Maverick]

Thanks. I always use NOAA. I'll check it out. Oops can't do $145. Our locals have been so wrong the last 2 year's. More so than years past. It's seems that grandpa's bursitis is more reliable than high tech radar.

You can still use it lol, the $145 is for a daily report not using the web site I should have made that clear

 

[user 7704]

Just tried to blow some if the fallen leaves and my blower goes for a few minutes then dies. I tried blowing all parts with carburetor cleaner but didnt work. Guess I'll have to use an old fashioned take until my brother can come look at it. He's supposed to come fix the collapsing coop floor.

 

[user 7704]

You can still use it lol, the $145 is for a daily report not using the web site I should have made that clear

Thanks. I'm poor

 

[Maverick]

Just tried to blow some if the fallen leaves and my blower goes for a few minutes then dies. I tried blowing all parts with carburetor cleaner but didnt work. Guess I'll have to use an old fashioned take until my brother can come look at it. He's supposed to come fix the collapsing coop floor.

how old is it, 2-cycle gas blowers have an MTF (means time to failure) after certain amount of hours before needing rebuilt or replaced.

 

[GaRp58]

Try to check the little filter in the gas-tank. If it runs shortly and then goes out, and this repeats itself, the motor and carb are OK. It's running, just not getting a constant flow of fuel, the filter plugs up and when it goes out, the dirt drops back away from the filter till it gets sucked up again. Might be wrong, might be right...GP

 

[Maverick]

using fuel with ethanol is hard on the rubbers in these types of engines.

 

[Maverick]

https://www.foxnews.com/us/artic-surge-record-cold-temperatures

 

[user 7704]

Try to check the little filter in the gas-tank. If it runs shortly and then goes out, and this repeats itself, the motor and carb are OK. It's running, just not getting a constant flow of fuel, the filter plugs up and when it goes out, the dirt drops back away from the filter till it gets sucked up again. Might be wrong, might be right...GP

Thanks. Any ideas work for me.

 

[user 7704]

https://www.foxnews.com/us/artic-surge-record-cold-temperatures

I hope we get snow this year instead of the cold rain we had all last Winter. It made me miserable. If it's cold, I want snow.

One model is showing 13° one night this week, but another has it 19°. Either is cold.

 

[Silent Earth]

WINTER PREP CHECK LIST (2014 version)

Prevention is better than cure keep your house and vehicle etc properly maintained at all times.

House / retreat

Winter fire wood obtained / cut / dried and accessible when snow has fallen

Coal / Oil stocks ordered? Delivered and stored properly

Gas bottles changed and empty ones refilled / replaced

Gutters cleaned, drain traps cleared of debris

Fencing and posts checked for integrity and stability

Check security lights (Bulbs, Clean lenses, Clean PIRs)

Window seals checked (black and green algae scraped off seals / drain points)

Boiler (furnace) serviced and certified

Set thermostat on heating to prevent freezing of system

Bleed Radiators

Doors /windows draught proofed

Drains free flowing and clear of debris

Locks and hinges oiled

Spare candles / flashlights / Chemical Light Sticks / lanterns etc,

Emergency heating kit checked

Snow shovel / ice scrapers to hand

Pre-salted sloping access roads / drives?

Spare fuses/ circuit breakers

Boarding up shuttering for broken windows set aside (with fittings)

Weather warning radio working and tuned in to local service

Sweep Chimney if you have wood / coal stove, check ventilation - drafting

Clean solar panels, check wiring / battery bank / specific gravity/ fluid levels.

Check and maintain external aerials TV / CB / Cell / Ham and cable connectors

Check & replace bottled gas regulator and hose if over 3 years old

Defrost and clean out freezers if heavily iced up

Clean, oil and maintain power tools like Chainsaws etc

Garden furniture brought in or covered up

*Check on neighbour’s well-being? *

Livestock / pets sorted out

Animal feedstock got in.

Greenhouses cleaned and disinfected, glass checked for integrity

Tools cleaned, disinfected, oiled and put away

Sheds / Garages/ Stores checked for weatherproofing and security




Personal / family

Extra food stocks got in case of snow / ice storm / whiteout

Rotate food stocks if necessary to ensure freshness

Prescription medicines got in if required by family members

Winter clothing got out of storage cleaned / aired and reproofed if necessary

Boots weatherproofed and cleaned

New script eye glasses obtained if necessary

Cans / foods rotated

Water filters cleaned / elements changed

Caches checked, updated etc

Bug out routes reccied

BOB’s checked and updated if necessary

Contact plans / pick up plans arranged for family members stranded by weather at school or work etc.

Personal security equipment cleaned / oil / checked etc







Vehicles

Get the latest Council winter road gritting map and plan your commute / BO routes accordingly

Check CB / Ham radio installation

Top up / change antifreeze

Tighten /adjust drive belts

Tyre condition /pressures

Jet wash underside, valet / polish bodywork

Check hoses for cracks, splits and tightness of hose clips

Lube locks

Change wiper blades (normally bi-annually)

Replace HL bulbs if over 5 years old (they have lost 20% of their brightness)

Check M & S tyres condition if still in store

Check your tyre chains

Fit thinner oil if you live in very northern climes.

Check battery condition and leads

Check demister / de-icer systems

Degrease windscreen inside and out

Radio set to accept weather and traffic news reports

Update Satnav data / Get new road map

Sleeping bag/ survival blanket

Chemical light sticks / flashlights/spare batteries

Candle/ matches

Snow dye

Survival kit

Shovel

Snow mats

Short wave radio / batteries

Hot drink making kit




Vehicle spares,

bulbs & fuses,

belts,

plugs,

leads,

oil,

coolant,

hose clips,

hose repair kit,

exhaust repair kit,

cable ties & duct tape

snow chains

wheel brace

spanners / sockets and screwdrivers

sockets

tyre levers & tyre pump

 

[user 7704]

WINTER PREP CHECK LIST (2014 version)

Prevention is better than cure keep your house and vehicle etc properly maintained at all times.

House / retreat

Winter fire wood obtained / cut / dried and accessible when snow has fallen

Coal / Oil stocks ordered? Delivered and stored properly

Gas bottles changed and empty ones refilled / replaced

Gutters cleaned, drain traps cleared of debris

Fencing and posts checked for integrity and stability

Check security lights (Bulbs, Clean lenses, Clean PIRs)

Window seals checked (black and green algae scraped off seals / drain points)

Boiler (furnace) serviced and certified

Set thermostat on heating to prevent freezing of system

Bleed Radiators

Doors /windows draught proofed

Drains free flowing and clear of debris

Locks and hinges oiled

Spare candles / flashlights / Chemical Light Sticks / lanterns etc,

Emergency heating kit checked

Snow shovel / ice scrapers to hand

Pre-salted sloping access roads / drives?

Spare fuses/ circuit breakers

Boarding up shuttering for broken windows set aside (with fittings)

Weather warning radio working and tuned in to local service

Sweep Chimney if you have wood / coal stove, check ventilation - drafting

Clean solar panels, check wiring / battery bank / specific gravity/ fluid levels.

Check and maintain external aerials TV / CB / Cell / Ham and cable connectors

Check & replace bottled gas regulator and hose if over 3 years old

Defrost and clean out freezers if heavily iced up

Clean, oil and maintain power tools like Chainsaws etc

Garden furniture brought in or covered up

*Check on neighbour’s well-being? *

Livestock / pets sorted out

Animal feedstock got in.

Greenhouses cleaned and disinfected, glass checked for integrity

Tools cleaned, disinfected, oiled and put away

Sheds / Garages/ Stores checked for weatherproofing and security




Personal / family

Extra food stocks got in case of snow / ice storm / whiteout

Rotate food stocks if necessary to ensure freshness

Prescription medicines got in if required by family members

Winter clothing got out of storage cleaned / aired and reproofed if necessary

Boots weatherproofed and cleaned

New script eye glasses obtained if necessary

Cans / foods rotated

Water filters cleaned / elements changed

Caches checked, updated etc

Bug out routes reccied

BOB’s checked and updated if necessary

Contact plans / pick up plans arranged for family members stranded by weather at school or work etc.

Personal security equipment cleaned / oil / checked etc







Vehicles

Get the latest Council winter road gritting map and plan your commute / BO routes accordingly

Check CB / Ham radio installation

Top up / change antifreeze

Tighten /adjust drive belts

Tyre condition /pressures

Jet wash underside, valet / polish bodywork

Check hoses for cracks, splits and tightness of hose clips

Lube locks

Change wiper blades (normally bi-annually)

Replace HL bulbs if over 5 years old (they have lost 20% of their brightness)

Check M & S tyres condition if still in store

Check your tyre chains

Fit thinner oil if you live in very northern climes.

Check battery condition and leads

Check demister / de-icer systems

Degrease windscreen inside and out

Radio set to accept weather and traffic news reports

Update Satnav data / Get new road map

Sleeping bag/ survival blanket

Chemical light sticks / flashlights/spare batteries

Candle/ matches

Snow dye

Survival kit

Shovel

Snow mats

Short wave radio / batteries

Hot drink making kit




Vehicle spares,

bulbs & fuses,

belts,

plugs,

leads,

oil,

coolant,

hose clips,

hose repair kit,

exhaust repair kit,

cable ties & duct tape

snow chains

wheel brace

spanners / sockets and screwdrivers

sockets

tyre levers & tyre pump

Great list. One thing I didn't know until lately....mm I was told to keep the fan running in my heat/AC unit to continually filter air. Now, I have been told by a tech that if you do, it can cause moisture buildup and cause mold. I've been doing it wrong for years.

 

[Silent Earth]

Great list. One thing I didn't know until lately....mm I was told to keep the fan running in my heat/AC unit to continually filter air. Now, I have been told by a tech that if you do, it can cause moisture buildup and cause mold. I've been doing it wrong for years.

And Legionaires disease as well.

 

[Dani]

I have noticed how thick the hair on my goats are so I am expecting a cold winter this year. We are already using the wood stove. . . last night it got too hot though and woke me up a couple times. After waking up at 2 am I figured I would just go ahead and go into to work which worked out for me. The truck that we were expecting on Wed finally showed up today. It was a 10 hr day to get it all done. I was told Mon I am up 40% in sells from last year so I am happy about that, that means job security.

 

[user 7704]

I have noticed how thick the hair on my goats are so I am expecting a cold winter this year. We are already using the wood stove. . . last night it got too hot though and woke me up a couple times. After waking up at 2 am I figured I would just go ahead and go into to work which worked out for me. The truck that we were expecting on Wed finally showed up today. It was a 10 hr say to get it all done. I was told Mon I am up 40% in sells from last year so I am happy about that, that means job security.

Nothing like job security.

One of my hand is molting. What terrible timing.

 

[Dani]

I am left handed and I have some sort of rash that has developed on it. . . have no idea from what. At first I thought maybe a burn from frying chicken fried steaks last night, but it just doesn't look right for that. I am the kind of person that says yep that hurt but you just go on and don't think about it. It had to happen out with the goats. Maybe got it caught on the barb wire. . . who knows, but it hurts

 

[user 7704]

Be careful. I got a rash up both arms for weeks. Finally went to 2 different doctors finally a dermatologist and I had had a cat scratch on my leg and it manifested on my arms. A form of ringworm but didn't have any rings at all.

 

[Dani]

I am not too worried about that but will keep it in mind. Goats can get ring worms so that is an option.

 

[GaRp58]

I was told Mon I am up 40% in sells from last year so I am happy about that, that means job security.

Prayers do get answered for the good people in life...GP

 

[GaRp58]

WINTER PREP CHECK LIST (2014 version)

Love your prep list. Quite extensive. I think most of us do these things all year, slowly and only thinking it is a daily/weekly chore. Just preppers reflexes. BUT to see it on a list and read it again, always is a wake-up call for those of us (or only me) getting old and lazy. Thank you again. GP

 

[Mountain trapper]

Most of summer around here is pretty much spent prepping for winter. Firewood needs to be cut, split and stacked. Six months of hay needs to be hualed in and stacked in the barn, with the excess stacked outside and covered. It generally starts cooling down around the end of August and we have a nice long Fall. This year we started getting snow in late September with temps in the single digits by October. But now we're having a nice Indian summer.
Once it starts cooling down (20's) we cover the windows in the chicken coop, I get caught up on all equipment services, add fuel treatment to all equipment that will be stored until spring, add anti gel to the diesel. Change engine oil from summer grade to winter grade in the gasoline generators. I put everything away that's been left outside, otherwise it'll be covered in snow until May. I have to plan my snow plowing routes (over 2 miles long) and make sure that I'll have places to push the snow when it gets deep. Every building needs a snow shovel. Last winter I couldn't keep up with the snow fall and had to turn the cows loose and feed them on the road. This winter I'm going to try keeping a small valley cleared to feed in. Some of the cows will start calving in January so they'll need to be kept out of the wind too. Last February we were snowed in for almost 2 weeks. We need to stock up on food, fuel and spare parts. Next week I'll put chains on the tractor and my 4 wheeler, make repairs on the tractors rear blade and weld new skids on the front snow plow. I need to make repairs on the snow blower and get it ready to go. I put markers around everything that can't be put away so that I don't hit it with the plow. Plus I try to get roofs put on my building projects before the snow starts coming down for good.
That's all I can think of for now.

 

[GaRp58]

add fuel treatment to all equipment that will be stored until spring, add anti gel to the diesel.

When I was driving Longhaul, sometimes we would get surprised by sudden temp drops in Sweden and Norway. If the diesel wasn't properly treated we were stuck and screwed for days. I learned from a oldtimer in Kansas City, Mo. that you can use ATF to freeze proof the diesel in an emergency. Somehow Automatic Tranny Fluid helps against jelling. Google it and make sure if this is still done, I learned it back in 1986. GP

 

[lonewolf]

there is a lot of talk on weather forecasts of the UK getting a bad/cold winter this year, whether that will turn out to be true we have to wait and see.

 

[GaRp58]

Weather reports which are opened on the Website that Maverick posted, say a really big cold front is coming to the central US to -24 down in TX...Mom has a good A/C, don't know about the heating. Thank God my brother is only 5 miles away. But neither of them has any other heat except electricity. GP

 

[Silent Earth]

When I was driving Longhaul, sometimes we would get surprised by sudden temp drops in Sweden and Norway. If the diesel wasn't properly treated we were stuck and screwed for days. I learned from a oldtimer in Kansas City, Mo. that you can use ATF to freeze proof the diesel in an emergency. Somehow Automatic Tranny Fluid helps against jelling. Google it and make sure if this is still done, I learned it back in 1986. GP

I carry a bottle of acetone nail varnish remover to add to my diesel if the temp drops under -14 which is what British winter diesel is rated to. It helps stopping it wax up.