1) Water. You MUST make sure your pet has fresh drinking water at all times, even if it means changing the water bowl several times a day. In freezing temperatures, like we’ve had lately, it does not take long at all for water to become frozen solid, and all things living have got to have plenty of water available for drinking.

2) Food. It takes a lot of an animals energy to produce enough heat for survival in the winter time and food is essential to replenish it’s energy level. So make sure your pet gets plenty of food throughout the cold season, even a little extra would be great.

3) Shelter. All of your pets should have a snug little area where they can go to get out of the wind, rain, and snow, whether it be a doghouse for bigger animals or even a homemade wooden box for smaller animals such as rabbits. It is also a good idea to insulate the shelters or use blankets or straw for them to curl up in and keep warm. The doorway should be faced away from the wind and a old rug works great for a door, and it is a good idea to have the floor of the shelter a few inches off the ground, because the ground will draws heat out of the shelter and your animal.

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

Animals rely solely on their human caregivers for safety and comfort — especially during the winter months, so do your part to help that pet of yours to stay comfortable during these freezing days and nights and they will reward you with years of companionship.

First Fridays For Families ( all shows start at 6 pm and are FREE )

Dec 5 Donner Center - Magic, Comedy, Juggling, and more with Derek Dye

Jan 9 Donner Center - “Secret Agent 23 Skidoo”

Feb 6 Donner Center - Jim West Puppets in “Aesop’s Fables II” performed by Theatre Works USA

Mar 6 Donner Center - The Amazing Marlo Magic Show

Mom and Me For Tea ( $20 per pair)

Dec 7 at Donner Center - For Moms and Daughters ages 3 to 8

Tea, Punch, Sandwiches, and sweets will be served. Daughters should wear their very best “Holiday” outfits for the Fashion Show, and the Mothers should prepare a written Description of their Daughters outfits for the Master of Ceremonies to read during the show. Registration deadline Dec. 3rd. For more info contact 812-376-2680

“The Enchanted Garden” Annual Princess Ball ( $15 per couple)

Jan. 10th from 6-8pm at Foundation for Youth

For ages 4 and up, FFY 405 Hope Ave. For more info call 812-372-7867

Story Time with Polly Verbanic ( Free for all kids )

10-10:30 on the First, Third, and Fifth Wednesday of each month at Viewpoint Books on Washington st.

FFY Boys and Girls Club

Open to kids ages 5-18 from 2:30-5:30 Mon-Fri during the school year. For more info call 812-348-4558 ext 305

KidsCommons (admission $6 for all ages)

Columbus Community Children’s Museum located at 309 Washington st. 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5pm Sundays. Visit Tues-Fri during BCSC full school days between 4 and 5pm and get $2 off.

Story Time @ Jennings County Public Library

Open to 3-6 year olds, for info and registration call 812-346-2091

Story Time @ Decatur County Public Library

Info. call 812-663-2826

And if none of these things sound like fun, you can always gather around the dinner table and play board games, kids love the family time…..even the ones that think they’re too cool for Mom and Dad

One of the biggest causes of accidents in bad weather conditions is not allowing yourself plenty of room to come to a stop. People are misled when they see the words “anti-lock brakes” on the car they’re driving, I don’t care what kind of brakes your vehicle has or how expensive they are, if you wait too long to start slowing down at a red light, you ARE going to slide right through the intersection possibly hitting someone. So make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get stopped. NO TAILGATING.

Another big contributor in Winter driving accidents are people that have four wheel drives. Right now you’re thinking “What….four wheel drives are great in the winter“, and you’re right, BUT, a lot of inexperienced drivers with four wheel drive think that because they can take off quicker than a two wheel drive car, that they can also stop quicker too, ….WRONG, I don’t care how “meaty” or how “big” your tires are, they’re not gonna help at all when you have to slow down quick.

Now, everybody probably already knows that bridges and overpasses will get icy before normal roads simply because the cold winds are blowing on both the surface and the bottom side of the pavement, but I had to mention it, there may be a couple of you out there that has never been over a bridge and seen the sign thats posted there.

The best tool you can use while driving with bad road conditions is Common Sense. Keep your eyes open and be more aware of other drivers. Keep your lights on so that other drivers can see you better. If we all follow these basic “rules of the road” through these Winter months, we can all greatly reduce the accidents and injuries this season.

Being prepared as a driver is only half of it. Your vehicle should be just as ready for winter as you are. There are several things that will need to be checked to ensure you AND your car are going to make it where you’re going this season, some are,

• Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition.
• Check your antifreeze and be ready for colder temperatures. You may want to add special solvent to your windshield washer reservoir to prevent ice from forming.
• Check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition.
  Make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.
• Other suggested items to carry in your car are an ice scraper or commercial de-icer, a broom for brushing snow off your car, a shovel to free you car if it is “snowed in”, sand or burlap for traction if your wheels should become stuck in the snow.
• It is also a good idea to take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing. A lengthy delay will make you glad you have them.
• Weather conditions may warrant detouring traffic from the main roadway. It is strongly suggested that drivers always keep an updated map containing the areas of travel.
• If you have a cellular telephone, pre-load the Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) phone numbers for convenient, updated road conditions.
• Put an extra car key in you pocket. A number of motorists have locked themselves out of their carson accident.
• And last but not least, you should keep a 3-4 wick candle in your car and matches or a lighter to light it in case you become stranded and run out of gas or break down and can’t run the heater. The heat off the candle can keep you from freezing to death.

Hopefully some or all of this advise will help you keep your vehicles on the road, and let everyone enjoy the season with no accidents or injuries.

Drive Safe