Today Is National Ice Cream For Breakfast Day!
Take advantage and enjoy a frozen treat this morning!
Video Doorbells
Taking A Look At The Best Video Doorbells
Video doorbells have become more and more common the past couple years, with many different companies joining the competition. It can be difficult choosing the right doorbell for you. In this post we will outline the current most popular video doorbells available. Hopefully by the end of this blog, you will know which doorbell is right for you!
- Ring Doorbell – Ring is the most popular option right now. They have doorbells that are battery powered and hardwired, with several different color options available. They offer a subscription plan for $3 a month that includes 60 days of cloud storage. The ring doorbell is compatible with all Amazon smart devices as well as many different door lock companies such as Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale. The Ring doorbell is a great choice if you already use Amazon smart devices, or if you’re just getting into Smart Home integration.
- Arlo Video Doorbell – The Arlo Video Doorbell is another great option to consider! It features higher video quality than some competitors with it’s 180 degree 1080p HD camera. The Arlo subscription starts at $3 a month for 30 days of video history up to 2k resolution. This doorbell is compatible with Amazon Echo and Google Assistant. The Arlo can be hardwired very easily, but there is not currently a battery operated version available. At roughly 2in wide by 5in tall, this option is much more compact than some! We recommend the Arlo for those looking for a higher quality camera than what Ring has to offer.
- Nest Hello – The Nest Hello is Google’s flagship video doorbell. The front door package, priced at $289, includes the Hello camera and a Google Nest Hub. If you already own the hub, the Hello can be purchased separately for $229. The cloud storage subscription for this device, called Nest Aware, can be had for $6 a month and includes 30 days of video history. If you have this subscription, the camera has the capability to recognize familiar faces! It is also able to distinguish the differences between people and packages, pretty cool! Unfortunately, the Nest Hello is only compatible with Google products, which may limit what you are able to do with it. This is the recommended device for consumers who have already bought into the Google ecosystem.
- Eufy Video Doorbell – The Eufy is less expensive most of the other doorbells on this list, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t great! This doorbell features 2k footage and 16gb of local storage, so you don’t necessarily need cloud storage! If you do want cloud storage, however, it is available for $3 per month for 30 days of footage. This device is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Eufy’s own app. This doorbell is available in hardwired and battery operated versions. You cannot use your existing chime with this bell, but a new one is included. This is a great budget model, with some impressive features like Snapshot, which texts you a photo if someone has been up to your door.
- Remo+ Remobell S – The Remo+ Remobell S comes in at only $99, making it the least expensive video doorbell on this list! Included for free with this device is 3 days of rolling cloud storage, no subscription needed! If you would like more cloud storage, you can subscribe for 30 days of rolling storage for only $30 per year. This device is compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT. The main drawback with this device is the slightly lower resolution (1536×1536) and the lack of smart features such as facial recognition. It does, however, have the ability to set motion detection “zones” so you don’t get alerts you do not want. This is the perfect starter doorbell at a very reasonable price. If you aren’t possible video doorbells are for you, we recommend buying this one.
- Altro Smart Model X – The Altro Smart Model X is a little different from the other video doorbells on this list. This device is a door deadbolt that has a video camera built in! This lock features two-way audio, a video doorbell, multiple passcodes, and 24×7 activity logging. This lock allows the user to lock and unlock the door from anywhere on their smartphone. The Altro is compatible with the Altro app, Alexa, and Google Home. This camera even has an HD IR night vision camera, so your footage is usable even when recorded at night! This is a great, feature packed model if you are looking for a smart lock for your rental properties, or your own home. Coming in at $349, it is more pricey than the standalone video doorbells on this list, but I think the added features are well worth the premium you pay.
At the time of this writing, these are the highest rated video doorbells currently available. We think each of them has their own advantages and are definitely worth a look! Smart doorbells increase the security at your home and can provide great peace of mind. If you really want a video doorbell, but don’t yet have a place to put one, give us a call at (970) 507-8655 or come visit us in the office! We would love to help you find your Next Home!
Sledding In Pagosa
Get Your Sled On This Winter!
With snow falling every other day, and many businesses still closed due to Covid-19, it’s a great time to get some sledding or tubing in! If you are in Pagosa Springs, or are planning a trip up, sledding is a fun way to pass the time! Sledding involves a lot of time rolling around in the snow; so you really need good waterproof snow gear including gloves and a warm hat. We also recommend proper snow boots, no one wants wet feet! As far as sleds go, there are several styles to choose from, and you really can’t go wrong with one or another!
Below is a quick rundown of the sled types and how they function:
- The Toboggan – Toboggans were originally made from wooden slats with a rope handle. Modern toboggans are made from plastic so they are easy to carry, and some are made to fit more than one person. The main advantage of these sleds over others is the extra capacity and the ability to steer by leaning to one side or the other. This toboggan is highly rated on amazon and can be found in stores in Pagosa!
- The Sledge – The sledge is what many consider the classic snow sled. Constructed from steel and wood planks, this sled is fast, has a high weight capacity, and is steerable! The main con for this type of sled is the weight; it weighs in around 15lbs! This sled has narrow steel runners, rather than a flat plastic bottom like more modern sleds. This means the sled is not ideal for powder conditions. These sleds have been in production since 1889 and still do great!
- The Saucer – The saucer is a favorite for many reasons. This disc shaped sled is lightweight and easy to carry, will fit most people, and can reach some impressive speeds in the right conditions! Best of all, they are super cheap to buy! Here is one of the highest rated on amazon. The main con with a saucer sled is the lack of steering control. We recommend these for open areas, not hills with multiple obstacles.
- The Snow Tube – Snow tubes have gotten popular lately, and for good reason! These tubes are inflatable, so they take up less room than traditional sleds. They are also smoother going down hills than other stiff sleds. We recommend finding one with good handles so you aren’t bounced off the sled at speed! The main disadvantage with these is they aren’t as durable as other sleds; so they aren’t recommended for rougher terrain.
The Best Sledding Hills
We have compiled a small list of the best public spots in Pagosa Springs to go sledding! If you don’t see your favorite spot, reach out to us and we will add it to the list!
- Reservoir Hill – Located right downtown across from The Springs and behind the Post Office; Reservoir Hill is an awesome place to sled! With multiple short runs to choose from, this spot is perfect for all experience levels. If sledding isn’t your speed, you can snowshoe the trails on Reservoir Hill instead!
- Lobo Overlook – Lobo Overlook is located right before Wolf Creek Pass if you are coming from Pagosa Springs. While the overlook itself isn’t easily accessible in the winter, the hill next to the parking lot sure is! This spot is super popular due to it’s close proximity to Wolf Creek and the clear steep hill that is accessed easily right from the parking area! Be sure to bring a snack and water, otherwise you will have to wait until you get back into town to find food.
- National Forest… All 1.8 Million Acres! – Pagosa Springs is blessed to be surrounded by almost 2 MILLION acres of National Forest! This forest is free to access and use, provided you respect the environment and don’t leave messes behind. What this means is you can drive down any forest road and find a spot to sled! Just beware, some private land is mixed in with the public, so be sure you are in the public areas! Most of the forest roads near Pagosa partially close for the winter months, so some walking may be required to find the perfect sledding spot. You can view the current road closures here.
Pagosa Springs is like a snowy wonderland. You could spend all winter sledding, snowboarding or skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and more! Hopefully this post has given you a good idea of where to start! If you are looking for a vacation rental, or something more permanent, give us a call at (970) 507-8655! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook for NextHome RMR updates and virtual open house videos! Humans Over Houses is our motto.
Driving In The Snow
Driving Safely This Winter
If you live in an area where it snows, you have probably seen someone who has slid off the road. Maybe you have yourself! Winter driving can be tricky, but with the proper knowledge you can significantly reduce the amount of mistakes you make the next time you find yourself in a slick situation!
Here are some tips that we think will help you drive safely this winter:
Drive Smoothly! – This first step is a simple one. Driving smoothly and deliberately will reduce your risk of losing traction. Jerky movements of the steering wheel, gas pedal, or brakes can be enough to break your tires free of traction; causing serious problems. Drive like you have a bowl of hot soup filled to the brim on your dashboard!
Stay Back – The less traction you have, the harder it is to stop! If you are driving around other cars you need to stay further back then you would in normal conditions. You need to give yourself enough space to make an emergency stop if needed. The rule of thumb for this is to double your following distance in wet conditions, triple it in snow, and at least triple your distance in icy conditions! This will also give you more time to slow down for turns, which need to be taken extra slow in these conditions.
Watch Your Instrument Cluster! – If you aren’t already in the habit of keeping an eye on your instrument cluster, you should be! There are several important warnings that can show up here. The one we are focusing on however, is the Stability Control Light. This handy little amber light will flash anytime your wheels lose traction, notifying you that you should probably let off the gas or ease up on the brakes! If you accelerate hard, you will probably see this light, indicating that your wheels are spinning. It is very important when driving in the snow that you ease onto the gas when accelerating from a stop.
Look Where You Want To Go – This one is important! If you feel your car beginning to slide, NEVER look in the direction it’s sliding! You always want look in the direction you want to go. Most of the time, you will end up where you are looking. This is a rule that even race-car drivers follow to pull out of a skid!
These are just a few of the best tips for driving in winter weather conditions! We hope you have enjoyed this blog. If you’ve followed all the advice in this post and still find yourself stuck in the snow, check out our post on getting unstuck here! If you enjoyed this post and want more NextHome Rocky Mountain Realty & Rentals content, like us on Facebook!
Sound-Proof Your Home
Working Remotely – In Peace
If you have recently switched to remote work, you may have been shocked by the level of noise in your home every day. You aren’t alone! Workers all across the country are realizing their homes aren’t the peaceful workspace they hoped for. Whether it be the sound of traffic outside your home or kids in it, there are many options to reduce noise levels to increase your productivity!
In today’s post we will be covering some of the most common and effective solutions to noise pollution at home:
- Floors – If your workspace has tile or hardwood/laminate flooring, you may want to consider covering it up! Hard surfaces reflect soundwaves, causing them to amplify and echo. Obviously, this isn’t ideal! To help cut these sounds down to a minimum, put a rug down! Rugs will absorb those soundwaves instead of reflecting them. There are even sound deadening pads available that can go under your rug!
- Walls – If you have an open floorplan, you probably already know how sound can bounce all through the house without a problem. You can minimize this a few different ways. Several companies make fabric covered “acoustic panels” designed to absorb soundwaves that would otherwise bounce off of your walls. There are many different options and styles to choose from so you are sure to find something you like! Another option is a bookcase strategically placed against the wall. Even a half-full bookcase can make a big difference in the sound levels of a room, just like the acoustic panels! Lastly, artwork can be a great way to reduce echoing in your room. There are even acoustic art panels available specifically for this use!
- Windows – Windows are some of the biggest sound-leaking parts of your home. Properly sealing windows is crucial to block outside noise from entering your home and disturbing your work. There are many ways to go about soundproofing windows; we will cover the best affordable options! First up is window weather stripping! The stripping that comes on your windows can deteriorate over time, allowing sound to leak in! You can combat this by adding foam weather-stripping over the original seals. This will create an airtight seal, blocking outside noise! Even with perfect seals around your windows, sound may still make it through the glass and disturb you! Luckily, there are soundproof curtains available to further block unwanted sound waves from entering your home! Many of these curtains are thermally insulated too, which will help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Doors – While they aren’t something we always think about, a lot of noise can leak in from your doors! Solid doors (as opposed to hollow-core doors) block a good amount of sound by themselves. The problem areas are around the door where a complete seal may not be happening. Remedy this by installing weather stripping where the door meets it’s frame! This stripping usually uses built-in adhesive, making install a breeze! If you also want to seal the bottom of the door, install a door sweep. This simple invention blocks drafts, and noise, from getting underneath the door. These usually take a few screws to install. If you are trying to block excess sound from getting through a hollow-core door, you may want to add mass loaded vinyl to either the core or face of the door. The reason this may be needed is hollow-core doors tend to absorb sound rather than reflect it like their solid-core siblings. Adding vinyl will further deaden any sounds trying to get through!
We hope this post has given you some insight on sound-proofing your home for remote work, or simply for a quieter space! If you have any questions about our blog, or you would like to talk to a Southwest Colorado real estate professional, give us a call at (970) 507-8655. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook to stay up to date on our virtual open house series and NextHome RMR updates!
Wolf Creek Ski Area
Wolf Creek Ski 2021
The New Year has been a sunny one in Pagosa Springs so far. One great place to enjoy the sun is on Wolf Creek! Every trail is open and there is snow in the forecast for this weekend. If you don’t have a pass already, they are available on Wolf Creek’s website here or in-person on the mountain! Season Passes are available as well as day passes. If you want to scope things out before heading up the pass, check out the Wolf Creek Live Webcams. They offer multiple angles of the ski area!
Don’t forget to wear layers and bring food and water with you, they’re are especially important at higher elevations. If you need snow gear, both Ski & Bow Rack and Summit Ski & Sports offer deals on tons of sport and outdoor equipment! If Wolf Creek has you hooked on this area, give us a call at (970) 507-8655 and we can help you find your dream property!
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the First Step in the Home Buying Process?
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is the first step in the home buying process. This will allow you to know how much you can spend, and much you need to save for a down-payment. Many realtors require pre-approval before showing homes.
- How Long Does it Take to Buy a Home?
From start to finish, buying a home takes roughly 10-12 weeks. This number may change depending on several different factors. In hot markets, it may take longer to close than when the market is slow.
- What is a Seller’s Market?
In a seller’s market, there is more demand than supply. This means multiple people are competing for the same homes, driving home prices up. This benefits the seller as more people want to buy their home.
- What is a Buyer’s Market?
In a buyer’s market, there is more supply than demand. This means buyer’s have more property to choose from, and will probably pay less for a home because there isn’t much competition. This benefits the buyer because they can take their time and possibly find a better deal on the perfect home.
- What is a Stratified Market?
A stratified market happens when market characteristics change based on price point. It may be a seller’s market for homes over $500k but a buyer’s market for everything under that $500k mark. This often happens when international investors decide to park their money in the U.S. by purchasing high-end real estate.
- How Much Do I Have to Pay an Agent to Help Me Buy a House?
Home shoppers pay very little, if anything. For most sales, there are two real estate agents; a listing agent and a buyer’s agent. The listing agent represents the seller and is in charge of listing and marketing the property. When a home is sold, a percentage of the sale that is negotiated in the contract, is paid to the listing broker. The broker then pays the buyer’s agent their cut from that money. So buyer’s usually don’t have to pay the commission.
- What Kind of Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a Home?
Most lenders require a FICO score of at least 620 to be eligible for a mortgage. Borrowers with higher FICO scores pose less of a risk to the lender; these borrowers will probably secure a lower interest rate. If you have a lower credit score you may need to bring more money for a down payment, or accept a higher interest rate to offset the lenders risk.
- How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment?
The national average down payment is 11% of the purchase price, this number may fluctuate however. Several first-time home buyer programs allow a down-payment as small as 3-5%. An FHA loan only requires 3.5% down. If you are former or active US Military, you may be eligible for a VA loan that doesn’t require a down-payment at all! It is smart to shop around and look into different lending options to see which works best for you.
- What is Earnest Money?
When you are ready to make an offer on a property your agent will ask for a check or cash to go with the offer. This check, called an earnest money check, demonstrates to the seller that you are serious about your offer and you are ready to continue with the deal. The money is kept in a trust account and is applied to the down-payment or closing costs at closing. If the deal falls through, the buyer receives the money. Earnest money essentially takes the property off the market and reserves it for you.
- Should I Sell My Current Home Before Buying a New One?
If you plan on using the equity you have built in your current home as the down-payment for your new home, you will need to sell the current one first. If you plan on using your current home as an investment property, your loan advisor will need to confirm your ability to purchase a new home before doing so. If you are relocating to take a job with your current employer, reach out to see if relocation assistance is available!
- How Long Does the Seller Have to Respond to My Offer?
Written offers have an expiration date filled in. Typically, you will hear back within 24-48 hours of sending the offer.
- Should I Order a Home Inspection?
Definitely! Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments most people will make in their life. Getting a home inspection will insure you are not buying a home with major structural damage or other issues. If you are using a VA or FHA loan, you will be required to get your home inspected prior to purchase.
- Do I Need a Radon Test?
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that emits from decaying uranium in the ground. It can seep into a home many different ways; from the basement, crack in the foundation, electrical outlets, etc. Radon can cause lung damage and may increase the risk of lung cancer. The EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon at the point of sale. This test can usually be rolled in with your inspection. If the test shows higher-than-safe levels of radon, there are several techniques to adequately ventilate the area to bring the levels down. Consult your local radon experts on the best method for your home. This remediation costs roughly $1200, which isn’t too bad when you consider a new furnace can cost triple that!
- Where Can I Get Pre-Approved?
To get pre-approved for a mortgage, you will need five things.. First is proof of income. Usually, you will need to provide W2 wage statements from the last two years, as well as recent pay stubs, proof of any additional income, and tax statements from the previous two years. Next, you will need proof of assets. These include current bank statements and investment account statements to show that you have cash reserves available to fund your down-payment. Third is good credit. As we stated above, you will usually need a FICO score of at least 620 to be pre-approved for a mortgage. The higher your credit score, the lower your loan interest rate will be. Next up is employment verification. Your lender will need to verify your current employment to ensure you have a steady income. If you have changed jobs recently, the lender may need to call your previous employer. Stable work history is important to obtain a loan. Lastly is other documentation. Lenders will require other documentation such as the borrowers driver’s license, social security number, and signature in order to pull a credit score.
- Should I Do a Final Walkthrough?
While not required, a final walk-through is a great idea! Walk-throughs give you a chance to look over the home one last time to make sure nothing has changed before you close. This is also the time to confirm any repairs that were requested have been completed.
- When Should I Sell My Home?
This questions has many different answers. When you should sell your home depends on the market in your area, your home, and how much you want to make. Most agents will agree that Spring is the best time to sell, however in some areas Winter or Fall may blow spring out of the water for house sales. Talk to your agent about when the best time to sell YOUR home is!
- How Do I Get My Home Ready to Sell?
By the time the first potential buyer enters your home, it should be sale ready! The first thing you should do to prepare your home is clean it! No one wants to buy a dirty home. Once your home is clean, you should go through and repair everything you can; broken door handles, blinds, paint touch-up, etc. Anything that is obviously broken should be repaired. Next you will want to stage your home for pictures. See our Home Staging Post for more info on how to do that! Lastly, you need great photos! Many real estate agents (including NextHome’s NextHomies) will have a professional photographer take photos of your home. Great photos will draw buyers in that may not have given your home a second look otherwise. In this day and age, visual media reigns supreme!
- Zillow Says My Home Is Worth “X” Is This Accurate?
Absolutely Not! Many real estate listing websites provide an estimated list price for the listed homes. This price only accounts for square footage and bedroom/bathroom count! It does not take into account your area, home features, current market, comparable properties in the area, or area of land. Your real estate agent should be able to give you a comparable market analysis that shows you what your home is worth in the current market, as compared to other similar properties near yours! You cannot rely on a “Zestimate” or any other online estimator for accurate results.
- How Is My List Price Determined?
As stated above, your real estate agent will perform a comparative market analysis to determine the value of your home. This compares homes, active and sold, based on several criteria to determine how much your home is currently worth in your area.
- Should I Price My Home Higher to Facilitate Negotiations?
While it may be tempting to price your home higher than suggested, it could actually deter buyers who would otherwise pay the price you really want for your home! If your price is too high, you won’t have as much interest in your home. This means it will sit for longer, which could scare even more buyers off! We recommend staying as close to your CMA (comparative market analysis) value as you can to ensure a quick sale!
- How Much Do I Pay For Commission?
If you are on the buying side of the transaction, you probably won’t have to pay any commission! If you are on the selling side, the commission you pay is negotiated in your listing contract. The national average real estate commission is 6%, but this is negotiable! It is smart to stick with the average commission rates, as buying agents will be less likely to want to show your home if their commission is smaller!
- When Does the Listing Contract Expire?
The length of the listing contract varies from agency to agency, and realtor to realtor. Typically, they last between three months to a year! These contracts will always have an expiration date.
- How Will You Market My Home?
This is something we are asked quite a bit. NextHome takes pride in being one of the most technologically advanced real estate companies. We distribute all of our listings nationally across hundreds of websites, so your property gets the exposure it needs for a quick sale! We also advertise listings on multiple social media platforms, print ads, virtual open houses, and in the windows of our offices! Every listing is sure to get tons of exposure on many different platforms.
- What Happens During a Home Inspection?
Once a home is under contract, a buyer has the right to order a home inspection to determine the condition of the home and any repairs that may need to be made. The inspector will go room to room throughout the house, looking for any damage or hazardous issues that need to be addressed in the home. The inspector will go around the outside of the house and even the crawlspace if you have one. In many cases, the inspector will leave a radon test behind, to be picked up 24-48 hours later.
- How Much Do I Need To Disclose To Buyers?
When selling your home, honesty is always the best plan. Some states require a property disclosure form to be filled out; outlining every issue known to the buyers regarding the home. As long as you disclose material facts about the property, you should be fine!
Happy New Year!
Lost Traction In The Snow?
Getting Out Of A Sticky (Snowy?) Situation
With winter in full force and Christmas nearly here, many of us are braving the snowy roads and icy parking lots. Whether you’re driving cross-country to see family, or driving down the road for groceries, you are likely going to encounter some bad road conditions! If you’re losing traction in the grocery store parking lot or stuck in a foot of snow, this guide should help you get out!
Momentum Is Key!
If you are slipping or sliding on or off the road, don’t stop! If you keep your momentum up there is a good chance you will be able to drive away! If you stop you are much more likely to become stuck in the snow.
Easy On The Throttle.
Throttle control is extremely important when trying to get un-stuck. If you use too much power, you will spin your wheels and dig deeper into the snow. Spinning wheels can also turn the snow into ice, which isn’t ideal for traction! A light foot is a necessity when trying to get out of the snow.
Think About Gears.
If you are in a vehicle with an automatic, shift to the lowest gear possible. If you are in a vehicle with a manual transmission, shift to 3rd or 4th gear. Doing so will allow you to more easily control your tire movement and minimize wear to your car.
Disable Traction Control.
As counter-intuitive as it may seem, traction control won’t help you get unstuck! Traction control works by applying the brakes to whichever wheel has the least traction. This limits your control over the vehicle and can actually keep you from driving out of the snow! If your vehicle has traction control, you can turn it off by pushing or holding the traction control button. Be careful not to apply too much power with traction control off or your tires will just spin. See “Easy On The Throttle.”
Rock & Roll!
Rocking your vehicle back and forth can help propel it out of a rut. Simply drive forward as much as you can, then put the car in reverse and move backwards. Repeat this step to build momentum and get unstuck! If you feel the car get over the rut, you can give it some gas to power out of the snow.
Traction Tools.
If you are stuck it is probably too late to put tire chains or cables on your car. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options! Small rocks, sand, kitty litter, and even small branches can be placed under the tires to add some grip. There are also traction boards available that work great for adding traction; they work as a makeshift shovel too!
Air Those Tires Down
If you simply don’t have enough traction to get moving, deflating your tires by a few PSI may help! When you let air out of your tires the contact patch between the tire and ground increases. This means you have more tread on the ground to add traction! If you keep your wheels straight with the tires aired down, there is less resistance so your car will move easier. Keep in mind that you will need to re-inflate your tires soon after getting unstuck or you risk damaging them. Several companies make portable air compressors for this application!
Dig, Dig, Dig!
Sometimes there is simply too much snow to drive through. When this is the case a proper shovel is your friend! There are several portable shovels available, many with collapsible handles for easy storage. These will come in very useful for unburying axles and clearing the underside of your car in deep snow. You can also use a shovel to build a ramp in the snow if it’s too deep for your car!
Last Ditch Efforts
If these tips just aren’t working in your situation, it’s best to either phone a friend or call a tow company for help! Remember to always check your tailpipes as a blockage could force exhaust gases into your vehicles cabin. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re waiting for help, break out your Winter Emergency Kit to stay warm and cozy! While you’re waiting, check out our Featured Listings, or like us on Facebook to see our Virtual Open House videos and other important updates!
Winter Emergency Kit
Be Prepared This Winter! Pack an Emergency Kit.
Driving in snow can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous; 17% of all car accidents occur in winter weather conditions! It is important to be prepared for whatever is thrown your way, whether you hit ice and slide into a ditch or your car breaks down. We recommend keeping a basic emergency kit in your car at all times so you are prepared if something happens. This list covers the basics on what you need!
Emergency Kit Essentials:
- First Aid Kit – A first-aid kit is something you should always keep in your car. While it won’t help with major medical issues, you can at least bandage any scrapes or cuts! If you are prescribed any medication, keep some labeled in your first aid kit in case you are stranded.
- Flashlight – It is really, really dark at night during a snow storm! Pack a good flashlight or headlamp in your emergency kit. This can be extremely useful if you need to work on your car in the dark. USB charging is a big plus on these!
- Ice Scraper – Your car’s defroster doesn’t always work as quickly or as well as it needs to. Put an ice scraper in your kit so you can clear your windshield in icy conditions. Low visibility through your windshield can be very dangerous!
- Jumper Cables – The rest of your car emergency kit isn’t much good if you can’t start the car! Jumper cables allow you to start your car with a dead battery using another car. These can be really helpful year-round. Just be sure you’re putting them on correctly, or you risk damaging the electrical components in your car.
- Snow Shovel – This one is pretty straightforward… If you are stuck in the snow, a snow shovel can help you get out. You don’t need a full size shovel in your emergency kit, smaller shovels are made for this specific purpose!
- Bag Of Cat Litter – The main reason cars get stuck in the snow is lack of traction. If you find yourself in a position where your tires are spinning on ice or snow you can simply sprinkle cat litter behind the tire to add traction! We recommend keeping at least a couple gallons bagged up, as you may go through a lot!
- Cell Phone Charger – Your phone is pretty much useless without a charge! Keep a car charger and a portable battery charged up in your car to be sure you’re never stuck with a dead phone. It’s also a good idea to keep your emergency contact numbers written down somewhere in your car, so you can still call them on someone else’s phone.
- Water – Dehydration can be a serious problem if you are stranded. Keep at least a gallon of water in your emergency kit. Keep in mind water expands when it is frozen, so if you’re filling your own container leave some room at the top.
- Blanket – Winter is cold! Pack at least one good, thick blanket to keep you warm if you need to stay in your car. If you have room for a second blanket, pack a tough one that you could lay on under your car if needed during repairs. Military wool blankets work well for everything.
- Tool Kit – Just like the first-aid kit, a basic tool kit can be useful year-round! From small repairs to tire changes, there are many uses for tools. If your car requires any special tools (European cars often use Torx bolts) be sure to pack those into your tool kit.
- Roadside Reflectors – Breaking down on the side of the road can put you at risk of being hit by passing drivers; especially in low visibilty scenarios like a winter storm! Roadside reflectors or road triangles help other drivers know where you are and that you may need assistance. They take up little room and are definitely a good item to keep with you.
- Non-Perishable Food – If you are stranded in your car, you will probably need an energy boost at some point. Keep non-perishable snacks such as granola bars, dehydrated fruits, and jerky in your emergency kit for that little extra energy kick! Don’t forget to rotate snacks out every few months so you are never stuck with bad food.
- Matches/Lighter – Matches or a lighter can provide you with some light and warmth in an emergency. Pack waterproof matches so they can’t be ruined by moisture. Disposable lighters such as a bic or clipper lighter are best as they won’t leak fluid and they work in cold conditions.
- Insulated Work Gloves – If you need to work on your car in the snow, you are probably going to want a good pair of gloves! Insulated work gloves are the best choice for an emergency kit. They will keep you warm and hold up to any abuse you throw at them.
This list should give you a good base to build your own emergency kit from! Winter driving can be treacherous so we hope this kit can help you this winter season! If you are reading this wishing you lived somewhere snowy, give us a call at (970) 507-8655 and we can help you find your Next Home in the mountains! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook for NextHome updates and our bi-weekly virtual open house series.