5 Things To Do After First Big Snowfall

This first snowfall may be our only freebie this year. Many homes have lost power once already this season because of the wind, but chances are it will not be the last time. La Nina has decided to bring snow before Thanksgiving and I bet that I am not the only one that has put off winterizing in the hopes of a few more sunny fall days. Here are the top five things everyone in Bonney Lake and Sumner should do after this first snowfall.

1. Get the house ready.  That tap located in the back of your garage... turn it off.  Frustration, embarrassment, and an ice slick to your neighbor's house are your rewards if you don't drain the non-insulated pipes in you house. What about salt for walkways and driveways? Give your spine and back muscles a break and avoid shoveling an icy walkway by heading to  in Sumner for some salt and any other home winterizing supplies. 

2. Don't forget about the car! Do your chains fit, or have you forgotten to buy them? Best to buy them now and try them on tonight rather than early Monday morning. The worst time to find out those new chains don't fit is when you have skidded to a stop on the side of the road. It's also a great idea to have an emergency pack in your car with jumper cables, extra blankets, maybe some handwarmers just in case you get stuck and have to turn the engine off. There are several auto parts stores that sell emergency car supplies. Try, , , , or .  

3. Those emergency supplies for home. You have seen the local read boards and read the article on Patch... but are you really ready if the power goes out for a week like it did in 2006? Head to in Sumner or in Bonney Lake and make sure you have enough supplies to last for three days. Remember candles, batteries for flashlights, canned foods, and if you own a generator, don't forget the gas.

4. Are the kiddos ready?  It's been a year, everyone has grown at least a foot taller, right? Winter coats, hats, gloves, mittens, snow pants and boots are all needed for those chilly walks to school or trips to the sledding hill. Once you have bought larger sizes, take the gently used warm clothes from last year and donate them to or . 

5. Take time to enjoy it!!  We are lucky to get all four seasons this year. Watch the kids try to make snowballs out of the single inch that has fallen and look forward to those happy, tired and heavenly quiet faces when they come in to warm up. Once everyone is dry, load them up and go have hot chocolate  or vanilla steamers at  or . Perhaps, head over to for home made soup and fresh sandwiches or  for a peaceful family dinner.