Winter can be a beautiful and magical time of year, but it can also be harsh and unforgiving. If you live in an area with long, cold winters, it’s important to be prepared for the challenges that come with this season.

Here are 17 things you can do to get ready for a long winter:

1. Insulate your home. Proper insulation can help keep your home warm and reduce your energy bills. Consider adding insulation to your attic, walls, and crawl spaces to keep the cold out.
2. Check your heating system. Make sure your furnace or boiler is in good working order before the cold weather hits. Consider getting a tune-up or servicing if needed.
3. Stock up on winter supplies. Make sure you have plenty of warm clothing, blankets, and other winter essentials on hand. Don’t forget about things like ice melt and shovels to clear snow and ice.
4. Protect your pipes. Frozen pipes can be a major inconvenience, so take steps to prevent them. Insulate your pipes, and keep your home warm enough to prevent freezing.
5. Prepare your car. Make sure your car is in good working order and has winter tires or all-season tires with good tread. Keep a winter emergency kit in your car, including things like a blanket, flashlight, and extra warm clothing.
6. Keep your driveway and sidewalks clear. Snow and ice can make it difficult to get around, so make sure you have a plan for keeping your driveway and sidewalks clear. Consider investing in a snow blower or hiring a snow removal service.
7. Winterize your survival garden. Protect your plants from the cold by covering them with blankets or mulch, and bring any delicate plants indoors.
8. Check your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can cause damage to your roof and even your home. Clean your gutters before the winter weather arrives.
9. Check your roof. Make sure your roof is in good condition and repair any damage before the winter weather arrives. This will help prevent leaks and other problems.
10. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure these important safety devices are in good working order and have fresh batteries.
11. Prepare for power outages. Keep flashlights and extra batteries on hand, candles, and consider investing in a generator if you live in an area prone to power outages.
12. Keep your pets safe. Make sure your pets have a warm place to stay and plenty of food and water. Consider getting them a winter coat or booties to protect them from the cold.
13. Make a winter emergency kit. Keep a supply of non-perishable food, bottled water, and other essential items on hand in case you need to shelter in place during a winter storm.
14. Stay active. It’s easy to become sedentary during the winter months, but staying active can help you maintain your physical and mental health. Consider taking up a winter sport or finding indoor activities to keep you moving.
15. Stay hydrated. It’s easy to become dehydrated in the winter, since the air is dry and we tend to drink less water. Make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
16. Stay warm. Wear layers to stay warm, and invest in a good coat and other winter gear to keep you comfortable.
17. Take care of your skin. The dry winter air can be harsh on your skin, so make sure you moisturize regularly and use lip balm

From icy roads and freezing temperatures to power outages and storms, it’s important to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store.