Vehicle prep winter
This type of tire provides the best traction and grip on snowy and icy roads.
What is a winter tire? (Fun Fact: Look for the 3PMSF, 3 peak mountain snowflake symbol)
The color you must wear to stand out from your surroundings and avoid being mistaken for a game animal.
What is blaze orange?
A good pre-winter brake inspection should include checking the brake pads and rotors, as well as this crucial, and potentially freezing, fluid.
What is brake fluid?
For warmth, you should dress in several layers of this type of loose-fitting, warm clothing
What is tightly woven, water-repellant, wool or synthetic fabric? (or something similar, discretion of judge)
This should be scheduled for your furnace or boiler to ensure it's running safely and efficiently before the winter cold
What is professional tune-up (or service of heating system)?
Winter magnifies existing car issues like pings and rough idling, making this service important to get before the cold sets in.
What is a tune-up?
If you want to avoid peak hunting hours, you should plan your hike during this time.
What is the middle of the day or a weekday?
This important feature in many vehicles is tested during a brake inspection and is critical for maintaining control on slippery surfaces.
What is the anti-lock braking system, or ABS?
If you suspect a person has hypothermia, you should do this in a warm, dry area to help them recover
What is giving them warm, non-alcoholic fluids?
Clogged versions of these can lead to ice dams, which can cause significant damage to your roof
What are gutters? (Downspouts also acceptable)
The cold is hard on this part of your vehicle's electrical system, so it should be tested before winter
What is a Battery(Fun Fact: CCA should be above 600- 850 or higher depending upon vehicle size)
What you should leave with a friend or family member before you go hiking during hunting season.
What is a copy of your itinerary? (Also applies to general Safety as well)
In addition to a flashlight and blankets, this emergency kit item can be used for traction
What is sand (Kitty litter would be acceptable as well)?
Snacks like this can help maintain energy levels during long days of winter fieldwork.
What are high energy snacks?
Insulating these and draining outdoor hoses are key to preventing a plumbing disaster
What are pipes?
Keeping your gas tank at least this full helps prevent the fuel line from freezing
What is at least half full? (Fun Fact: Use winter grade fuel or #1 blend)
To avoid falling, you should always maintain this on the treestand's ladder or steps.
What is three points of contact? (This concept can be used for climbing ladders in general and routinely inspect equipment for wear and tear.)
If stranded, you should run your engine intermittently to stay warm, but only after checking this to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
What is clearing the exhaust pipe of snow?
Besides wearing moisture-wicking clothes, taking these regularly in warm, dry areas helps to prevent cold-weather injuries.
What are breaks?
In addition to insulating your home, checking this safety equipment is critical when heating systems are in constant use
What are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
According to 2018 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 22% of all crashes could be avoided with routine maintenance and inspection
What are brakes?
This is one of the most critical safety aspects during hunting, especially when light is low.
What is situational awareness?
This slippery, difficult-to-spot hazard is more likely to form on bridges and in shaded areas.
What is black ice?
In addition to wearing proper footwear, using these can help prevent slips and falls on icy terrain.
What are snowshoes or crampons?
This common kitchen item, which can be placed in closets and cabinets, can help deter pests seeking warmth
What are drier sheets?