Winters in Western North Carolina are generally milder than places farther north, but that doesn’t mean we don’t get our share of snow, ice, and frigid temperatures. The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts that the Appalachian region, including Hendersonville and Asheville, will get snow and freezing temperatures through February and even into early March. Don’t let Old Man Winter catch you off guard — prepare now to keep safe and healthy this winter.

Dress warmly in hats, scarves, thermal underwear, and water-resistance coats and boots. Wear layers that you can remove once you go indoors or if you get too warm. Pay attention to shivering, exhaustion, or loss of feeling or color in any area of your body. These can be signs of frostbite or hypothermia.

Keep driveways and walkways shoveled and salted. Shoveling snow is a workout, so you might want to do some stretches and warm up before you begin to avoid muscle strain. Watch out for black ice while walking and driving.

Yes, we can get icicles even here in WNC! Keep an eye on the edges of buildings for icicles and large chunks of snow. You can be seriously injured by the weight of snow or the dagger-like formations of icicles.

Protect yourself and your community by always wearing a mask when you go out in public, and if you’re indoors with people who are not living with you in your household. Wash your hands often, and keep surfaces sanitized. We’re all aware that cases of COVID-19 are on the rise now that temperatures are colder, and the same measures you take to help prevent the spread of COVID will also help prevent the spread of the flu and other common winter illnesses like colds.

Set your thermostat to automatically adjust the heat in your home. The Department of Energy recommends setting your heat to 68 degrees while you’re at home awake and lower when you’re asleep or away from home. Consider a home automation system with a battery backup in case power goes out.

You can save time and money and gain peace of mind when you use Honeywell’s line of home automation products, including the ability to program your thermostat, automatically lock and unlock your doors, keep an eye on your property while you’re away from home, and turn lights off and on. Call us to learn more!