Neils Christensen
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 08/03) - Summer is winding down, but some people are starting to prepare for the cold.

There are some simple steps people can take to make sure their homes, vehicles and boats are safe during winter.

"If you can make your home more insulated then you can save on heating costs," said Pat Winter, co-owner of Home Hardware.

Winter recommends that people start looking at putting some weather stripping on doors and windows to help cut down drafts.

"It's hard for people to think about winter right now," she said. "But it's better to do this now, than before it gets really cold."

Chris Dumont, store manager for Canadian Tire said people have started coming in asking for weather stripping and insulation.

"It's always steady at this time of year," he said.

When preparing for winter, Dumont said people should remember to winterize their plumbing to makes sure the pipes don't freeze. He added when people are cleaning up their garden they should drain their irrigation systems.

"People should be looking at insulating their pipes and putting in the proper plumbing antifreeze," he said. "Heat tape works well during the colder months."

"It's better to be prepared now then have problems later," he added.

Greg Nutt, service manager at Force One recreational vehicle sales, said ATVs, boats and other recreational vehicles should be serviced before they are put into storage for winter.

"A typical winterization includes draining all water out, adding antifreeze and changing the oil," he said. "We would also check over the equipment and see if any parts are worn and need replacing."

Nutt stressed the importance of making sure that engines are properly serviced.

"I've seen an engine crack because someone missed one plug," he said.

"If the work is done properly now, it will save you money in the end," he added.

If people are worried that they have to give up their summer sports now, Nutt assures them they have a few more weeks.

"The latest people should wait is about mid-October," he said.

Vehicle owners have some time before they should have their vehicle serviced.

Brian Hixenbaugh, owner of Autotec said some people are beating the rush.

"What most garages do are change the oil with a light grade oil, replace and check the fluids, test coolant strengths, and make sure the block heater and battery blanket are working properly," he said. One bit of advice acted on now could come in handy when it's -40C in three months.

"Install an electric starter, so your wife doesn't make you go out in the cold to start the car."