Time to get your cabin ready for winter.

1.  From October 30, 2017 until sometime in April 2018 there will be NO garbage service.  Because of the issues of unlawful dumping during the winter, the dumpsters will be removed this year.  Please haul all your own household garbage home during this time period.
2. Keep in mind that some cans and bottles can become damaged in the cold of winter and electricity can be off for long periods of time.  Remove any items that might explode, rot or be damaged if left in the cabin.  Also dried foods in easily accessible packages can attract our smaller neighbors (squirrels, mice, rats and bugs) for a feast of their own.  To check your freezer for melting, set up a glass of water (frozen) with a penny on top.  If when you return the penny is still on top, the water hasn’t melted.  If  the penny is on the bottom or frozen in the middle someplace you know the electricity allowed the freezer to thaw out!
3. Water pipes can freeze, break and cause issues during the winter.  We recommend a few things if you are not up at your cabin.
   1. Turn off your water heater and drain your water system.
   2. Add environmentally friendly antifreeze to all sinks, drains and toilets.  You only need about a half a cup per drain it is is well worth the investment not to have broken pipes indoors.
   3. Once the system is drained, open your faucets to let any captured water out.
4. Although it is hard to guess the snowfall this year, understand that heavy snows can damage decks and roofing.  Check your roof for loose screws or panels that aren’t securely fastened where they belong.   Turn outside tables and chairs upside down so they aren’t bearing the weigh of the snowpack on their tops.  Put away objects that don’t need to be outside during the winter.
5. If you have them, close your shutters and put your storm door on your cabin.  While not required they do keep snow from pushing in through a door or window if the fall is heavy enough.
6. Check around your cabin to be sure that temporary changes to the landscape aren’t going to  run water directly into your cabin.  Also check to see if your neighbors have changed anything that might cause heavy rain to head directly to you.  Sometimes something as simple as a row of rocks can redirect heavy rains in a different direction.  Tree/stump removal, redirected driveways, rocks moved are all something to be aware of.

And, now that you are all ready for winter, grab a cup of hot cocoa and take a rest by the fire…