Month: September 2015
End of Summer Zucchini Overload
Here are a couple of tried and true recipes to use up that abundance of zucchini from your garden.
Don’t forget that you can always peel, grate and freeze your zucchini for use later in your favorite recipes. Enjoy!
The Ultimate Emergency Car Kit
No one enjoys being stranded on the side of the road, but when you have a well-equipped emergency car kit packed away in the trunk, the situation can be more bearable.
This emergency car kit checklist covers the basics, but also has suggestions for items you may have overlooked. Consider packing these supplies for a super vehicle emergency car kit you can bring along on a road trip, or just your next long-distance excursion with the kids.
Sanitation
• Toilet paper • Hand sanitizer • Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss • Plastic tablecloth • Trash bags • Baby wipes • Bar of soap • Disinfecting wipes • Feminine protection
• Small box of tissues • Zip-top bags in different sizes
Sustenance
• Energy bars • Almonds • V-8 juice • Sport drink, premade or a mix • Peanut or other nut butters in foil packets • Jerky • Dried fruit • Applesauce/fruit cups • Hearty, whole wheat crackers • Hard candies • Tuna packs • Dry cereal • Jam/jelly cups • Trail mix • Sunflower seeds
Survival
• Water • Water filter • LED flashlights and/or headlamps • Rain ponchos • Emergency radio • Heavy-duty trash bags • Reflective emergency blanket/sleeping bag • Duct tape • Fleece blankets • Tarp • Paracord • Multi-purpose knife • Extra batteries • Hand/foot warmers • Work gloves • Small shovel • Waterproof matches • Multi-tool • Binoculars • Light sticks • Maps • High quality first-aid kit • Bandannas • Small pair of scissors • Small backpack • Shoelaces • Floppy cotton hat • Sunblock • Medications • Face mask • Bug repellent • Moleskin • Survival and first aid manuals
Security
• Whistle • Cash-bills and coins • Camera • Pepper spray • Emergency phone numbers on a laminated card
Sanity
• Deck of cards • Foam ear plugs • Books • Small journal/pen or pencil • Lip balm • Battery-powered fan
“TO-DO’s” Before You Drive This Winter
1. Check your tires. Your vehicle’s primary contact with its environment should be in tip-top shape for cold weather conditions. All-season radial tires will allow you to drive in dry winter conditions, but dedicated snow tires are a must for handling steering and stopping in snow, ice and other unpredictable cold weather surfaces.
2. Check your brakes. While your tires allow your car to get going, regularly serviced brakes are the only way to ensure you’re well set up for safely stopping in the cold. Have your brakes inspected and repaired or have parts replaced before the first layer of salt goes down on the asphalt.
3. Check the oil level in your car. One of the most overlooked aspects of cold weather engine performance and reliability is the oil level. Switching to a thinner lubricant is crucial to do before cold weather set in.
4. Check your battery. The last thing you want to have is a car that won’t start in cold weather. Be sure your battery is free of leaks and able to reliably start your car, or boost others. Recharge or replace weak battery and check posts, cables and your alternator for clean contacts.
5. Check your wipers. In order to navigate the road in winter, you need to be able to see it. Replace sun-dried wiper blades with a fresh pair in the fall. This will ensure you’re not squinting through streaks on your windshield next time it rains or snows.
6. Check your lights. Even more important in precipitation, your lights are your only way of seeing in heavy snow, rain or in the dark. Replace any burnt out bulbs right away. Confirm all your turn signal, running, head, high beam and hazard lights are working properly.
7. Check your heater. If you get stuck with a car that still runs, your heating system could save your life. Get this looked at in late summer or early fall. Also confirm that your antifreeze levels are topped off and your radiator is in good working order.
8. Check your exhaust and ignition. Modern engines don’t need time to warm-up. What’s more important is ensuring they start and run smoothly at a variety of temperatures. Have your mechanic check for exhaust leaks that could cause rough running or carbon monoxide fumes in the cabin. In addition, make sure your car purrs on the road and when it is idling. Be sure to have your ignition checked if your engine takes more than two seconds to turn over when starting.
9. Have a survival kit in your car. In the unfortunate event that you are left without a working automobile, you need to have a solid plan for your safety until help arrives. Buy or put together a car survival kit. Make sure you include a first-aid kit as well.
Draper 12 News 