Survival UK Forums

WINTER PREP CHECK LIST (2015 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
Sweep Chimney if you have wood / coal stove, check ventilation - drafting
Coal / Oil stocks ordered? Delivered and stored properly
Gas bottles changed and empty ones refilled / replaced
Check / replace bottled gas regulator and hose for portable fire if over 3 years old
Gutters cleaned, drain traps cleared of debris
Ground drains free flowing and clear of debris
Fencing and posts checked for integrity, stability and security
Window seals checked (black and green algae scraped off seals / drain points)
Doors / Windows draught proofed
Door & window locks / hinges oiled and checked for operation
Clean and check solar PV panel’s cables, joints and fittings
Check, service and adjust any micro wind turbine system plus mountings
Check wiring / battery bank / specific gravity/ fluid levels for OG systems
Check and maintain external aerials TV / CB / Cell / Ham and cable connectors
Flush, Clean and rinse off-grid fresh water systems and emergency water containers
Check and replace any UV light water sterilisation bulbs / tubes
Check, clean and flush any water filtration systems / replace or clean filter candles
Boiler (furnace) and CH pump serviced and certified
Set thermostat on heating to prevent freezing of system
Bleed Radiators and check CH for leaks
Spare candles / flashlights / Chemical Light Sticks / lanterns stocked up
Snow shovels / ice scrapers to hand near primary doorway
Pre-salted sloping access roads / drives?
Check external security lights (Bulbs, Clean lenses, Clean PIRs)
Check Spare fuses/ circuit breakers
Boarding up shuttering boards for broken windows set aside (with fittings)
Weather warning radio working and tuned in to local service
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
Drain and clean any ornamental garden ponds and filters, cover pond if neccessary
Clean and winterise stables, hutches, pens, hen houses
Check and maintain anti predator fencing around chicken coups
Livestock / pets sorted out, inoculations up to date etc
Animal feedstock got in and stored properly.
Greenhouses cleaned and disinfected, glass checked for integrity
Last of garden produce harvested
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 surveyed
BOB’s / GHB’s checked and updated if necessary
Contact / pick up plan arranged for family members stranded by weather at work etc
Personal protection equipment cleaned / checked etc
Vehicles
Get the latest Council winter road gritting map, plot your commute / BO routes
Check CB / Ham / PMR radio installation and operation
Top up / change antifreeze
Tighten /adjust drive belts
Tyre condition /pressures
Jet wash underside, valet interior / wax bodywork
Check hoses for cracks, splits and tightness of hose clips
Lube locks and hinges
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
Vehicle kit
Sleeping bag/ survival blanket
Chemical light sticks / flashlights/spare batteries
Candle/ matches
Snow dye
Survival kit
Shovel
Snow mats
Shortwave radio / batteries
Hot drink making kit
Vehicle spares
Bulbs & Fuses,
Fan belts,
Spark plugs,
HT leads,
Engine and Transmission oil,
Engine coolant,
Hose clips,
Hose repair kit,
Exhaust repair kit,
Cable ties & duct tape
Snow chains
Wheel brace and extension bar
Spanners / sockets and screwdrivers
Sockets
Tyre levers & tyre pump / inflator
Spray WD 40

I think we can be pretty sure that there will be extreme weather this winter.

Although the last winter was relatively warm, it was very wet and windy with widespread flooding occurred in many parts of the country; but in addition to that, 3 out of the last 5 winters have been some of the coldest winters the UK has experienced in recent history, so it certainly looks like we are experiencing changing (worsening) winters than we have been used to in recent times.

Also in the US they are predicting an extreme cold winter, and often we experience to a lesser extent much of the winter weather that they get, care of the Jet Stream.

http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/374270151...show-clips

So winter preps is definitely something that we all need to give consideration to.

Extreme winter weather possibly also affected by a slowdown or complete cut-off of gas from Russia. Not something to be looking forward to! (Even with today's news about Russian soldiers in Ukraine, I wonder how many people will be thinking about their gas supply, apart from preppers?)

The NR reminder.....every year since I been here..........and still valued....every year ticking mine off as I go along.

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Lists piss me off ......but this one does not .

Yep, I went down the list ticking off stuff relevant to me. I'm amazed I am so organised this year, but I'm feeling very uneasy with the global problems at the moment and best to be well prepared. Funny others are thinking it may be a hard winter as well. I've noticed things are shutting down earlier than usual; berries are forming early and even our horses are getting winter coats. Oh well, can't fight it, so may as well be prepared for it.

Such a useful list! A good dig in the ribs, even if you think you are prepared.