With freezing weather already consuming us and no relief on the near horizon, life can be made much easier and safer by taking a few measures to “winterize” our vehicles, our homes and ourselves.

The car
Students don’t usually have the luxury of relying on a full wallet or a second vehicle when disaster strikes, so prevention is the best medicine.
The first step is to warm up the car before driving it because driving without warming the car first uses excessive fuel and is harder on the engine.
“Warm up your car until your windows are clear,’” said Steve Nohrenberg, store manager of Midas in Eugene. “It’s better for older cars to warm them up because they run more efficiently.”
Make sure the car has anti-freeze, as a shortage of anti-freeze can cause the engine block to crack. A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water will protect your engine down to -35 degrees Fahrenheit, Nohrenberg said. Making sure the coolant system is working properly is also important because it keeps the car from overheating.
Checking tire pressure at least once a month during cold spells is vital because tires are more apt to lose air, which can cause traction problems in less-than-ideal driving environments. Also, make sure your car battery and charging systems are working properly because it takes more power to start your car when it’s cold outside, Nohrenberg said.
For visibility, it is important that all lights are working so the car can be seen by other cars. Make sure windshields are clear and wiper blades work. In addition, ensure that wiper fluid helps get rid of debris and enhances your ability to see other vehicles and the road in rainy weather, Nohrenberg said.

Around the house
With the cold weather outdoors, a warm house is a haven from the unfriendly weather. But before cranking up the heater to thaw out after a chilling trek from class, remember the importance of fire safety.
“Don’t place any objects close — within six inches — to room heaters,” said Sheri Donahoe, associate director of residence life.
Electric space heaters can be a hazard if placed too close to a combustible material. They can also cause fires as the result of a loose connection to the wall socket. And leaving candles or incense unattended, as well as woodstoves, can be a fire hazard, Donahoe said.
Practicing fire safety by using a smoke alarm is also one of the most important safety tips for winter. Never cover your smoke alarm, Donahoe said, and don’t hang things from your sprinkler system.

General health
Cold hands may indicate a warm heart, but they can also indicate cold weather, which means a breeding environment for illness.
Dressing appropriately is an important part of keeping healthy during the winter months. Donning a coat will help, and the use of a scarf or hat will also keep the head and neck warm, conserving a great amount of heat which would otherwise leave the body. If you do get wet or cold, a warm shower can ease the chill, said Sharon Harbert, a University Health Center nurse.
Nutrition is a fundamental area to pay attention to during the winter months. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help ward off illness, Harbert said. Good deals can be found on fruits such as apples and tangelos, a cross between an orange and a tangerine, which are cheap during the winter. Winter vegetables, such as squash, are also loaded with vitamins necessary to keep your immune system running.
“Life is like a three-legged stool,” Harbert said. “You have to keep balance in three areas — rest and good nutrition, play and work — or you’ll tip over. People who are happy and perceive themselves as healthy stay healthy.”